At least 13 prison officials face suspension after pictures were shared on social media of women performing a “strip show” for inmates at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
This follows an urgent action by the Department of Correctional Services to deal with the saucy pictures showing two sexy strippers, dressed in kinky black bodysuits and thigh-high boots, teasing the bandiete and peeling back their prison orange overalls.
The pictures were shared on a Facebook group called Durban Crime N All by Charles Martin, who pointed out in the post that the photographs were taken at the Johannesburg Medium B Prison, also known as “Sun City”.
In one image, the strippers appear to be undressing a willing inmate, while he holds his hands up.
In another, a stripper is seen giving an inmate a hug while the prison wardens look on.
HARD LABOUR: Stripper gives inmate a hug in front of crowd
The images have gone viral and sparked much outrage.
Acting national commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services James Smalberger condemned the incidents and apologised to all South Africans who were offended by the images.
“We can never tolerate what we have seen on social media. We have identified 13 officials who did not comply with the code of conduct,” he said during a briefing at the prison yesterday.
“Following reports of illicit images circulating on social media over the past few days, where ladies, dressed in what looks like underclothes, are seen to be entertaining inmates at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), on Saturday (24 June) when this was brought to our attention, we immediately initiated an investigation into this serious matter.
“The department condemns this incident with the contempt it deserves, and, right at the outset, we want to make it abundantly clear that we will leave no stone unturned in dealing with this matter.”
Smalberger said the prison regularly held recreational activities for the inmates, but exotic dancers were not part of the approved programme.
“The intention was never to have strippers undressing in the correctional environment.”
According to Smalberger, preliminary investigations showed that the pictures were of an event hosted in line with the June Youth Month Commemorations on 21 June.
He added that the half-kaal women performing for inmates was also a breach of security.
Officials who are alleged to have been involved in the incident, had been given an opportunity to give their side of the story and a decision on their suspension would then be made.
“No taxpayers’ money was involved in the entertainment,” Smalberger insisted.
The B Section of the prison houses some of South Africa’s most dangerous criminals.