Parliament, Tuesday, 31 March 2026 – The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, has noted with concern the interview eNCA conducted with an inmate that was aired over this weekend, apparently without following the necessary protocols.
Ms Ramolobeng said the committee is concerned about the means of communication used by Mr Jermaine Prim, a convicted inmate, to speak to the media house. “I have seen the interview. It is quite lengthy with no interruptions. The question now remains is what instrument was used for this. We all aware that cell phones are on the list of contraband. Furthermore, inmates are allowed phone calls from a pay phone limited to 10 minutes per call, yet the interview was much longer. Further protocols exist for how those phone calls are done.
“We noted reports that an investigation is underway into the said matter and request that the DCS include all those matters in the investigation. We will request the department to provide a report to the committee once that investigation has been completed,” emphasised the Chairperson.
Ms Ramolobeng said the committee also noted reports that no prior authorisation was obtained for the interview, as is the normal practice. “We call on media houses, in the execution of their jobs, to follow protocols and procedures. We do not want to encourage further inappropriate behaviour by inmates.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MS KGOMOTSO ANTHEA RAMOLOBENG.
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