LOUIS TRICHARDT - Six correctional officials at the Louis Trichardt prison have been suspended, after allegations that they had assaulted a prisoner.

It is alleged that the prisoner was found in possession of a knife in the cells on 19 July. "He was allegedly assaulted by a number of officials while being questioned on the whereabouts of the knife. The prisoner was injured in the process and subsequently sustained a fracture to the left forearm and numerous bruises on his back. The prisoner received medical treatment at the local prison hospital and was seen by the local district surgeon," said Correctional Services spokesperson, Russell Mamabolo.

The prisoner is currently awaiting trial on charges of possessing a suspected stolen motorcar and armed robbery and is due to appear in court next month.

Mamabolo said an internal investigation, instituted by the Provincial Commissioner, Mr Mandla Buthelezi, is underway and a criminal case has been opened with the SAPS.

Comm. Buthelezi stated that assaults on prisoners cannot be tolerated within the Department of Correctional Services. "It is against the mandate of the Department, which requires the creation of an enabling environment where a culture of human rights is upheld, where reconciliation, forgiveness and healing are facilitated, and prisoners are encouraged and assisted to discard negative values and develop positive ones," said Buthelezi.

Buthelezi said no rehabilitation can be possible in an environment characterized by beatings, torture and other brutalities. He said the department further calls on both prisoners and officials to maintain good relations to avoid such unbecoming incidents happening. Cordial interaction directed at the development of prisoners must be encouraged, he said.