• Correctional services says an unauthorised interview between a television channel and inmate Jermaine Prim broke rules and may point to serious security failures inside the prison.
• Claims by Prim link senior political figures to crime networks, but those accused strongly deny the allegations and question the credibility of the inmate.
The Department of Correctional Services has started an investigation after an unauthorised interview was conducted with inmate Jermaine Prim at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
The department said it strongly condemns the interview, which was done with a television news channel, eNCA without approval.
Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the interview did not follow proper procedures.
He said media houses must apply for permission before speaking to inmates to protect security, legal processes and the rights of victims.
Nxumalo said no application was received or approved for this interview.
He said the length of the interview and the fact that it was not interrupted raises serious concerns.
The department is now investigating how the communication happened and whether prison rules were broken.
Nxumalo said officials will look into possible failures in internal controls and whether unauthorised devices or channels were used.
He said the department will take action against anyone who undermines the correctional system.
The issue comes after recent hearings by a parliamentary committee looking into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
During the hearings, a letter written by Prim was discussed.
In the letter, Prim claims he shared a prison cell with businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, who is facing murder charges.
He described conversations they allegedly had while in prison.
Mkhwanazi said the letter is hearsay and not confirmed evidence.
Prim also claims he has a voice recording linking Patriotic Alliance leader and sports minister Gayton McKenzie to drug dealers and illegal money.
McKenzie has denied the claims.
He said he does not know Matlala or any of the people mentioned.
He also criticised Mkhwanazi for raising the claims without verifying them and said he was not asked for comment.
Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene also rejected the allegations.
He said neither he nor McKenzie is involved in drug activities.
Kunene claimed Prim has been sending insulting messages from prison and previously had access to a cellphone.
He said Prim was moved from Sun City Prison to C Max after misconduct.
Kunene said Prim is seeking attention and questioned the truth of his claims.
He added that the Patriotic Alliance has grown through ethical work and community support.
Image Caption: A prisoner
Image source: Supplied
