Dear Honourable Minister of Correctional Services,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the treatment of prisoners who are still awaiting trial at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre. I recently visited my mother, who is currently being held there, and I was deeply disturbed by what she shared with me.

According to her account, on Sunday evening (25 May 2025), one of the inmates began experiencing severe menstrual pain and needed urgent assistance. Her cellmates, were unsure of what to do, called for help from the wardens. Shockingly, instead of providing medical care, the wardens allegedly assaulted the inmate and returned her to the cell without any form of support or treatment.

Even more distressing is that the wardens reportedly poured dirty water on all the inmates in that cell, soaking their blankets, bed and clothing. As a result, the inmates had to endure the night in wet and unhygienic conditions an act that is both inhumane and degrading.

This alleged conduct is not only morally unacceptable but also unconstitutional. As a law student, I would like to remind the Department of the following provisions in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996:

Section 10 – Human Dignity: "Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected."

Section 12(1)(d-e) – Freedom and Security of the Person: "Everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right not to be tortured in any way; and not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way."

Section 35(2)(e) – Rights of Detained Persons: "Everyone who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, has the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity, including at least exercise and the provision, at state expense, of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and medical treatment."

The actions described above appear to be in clear violation of these constitutional protections. I respectfully urge your office to investigate this matter urgently and ensure that all inmates particularly those who are still awaiting trial and are presumed innocent are treated in accordance with the law and with the dignity they are entitled to.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that appropriate steps will be taken to prevent such abuse and to uphold the rights enshrined in our Constitution.

Sincerely,