Another inmate death at city prison

THE BEREAVED family of an inmate who was found dead in his cell at Kimberley Correctional Centre this week is convinced that he was assaulted prior to his death.

It is believed that there were no visible injuries on his body.

This is the second inmate who has died at the facility this month, after an inmate was found dead on May 13. Sources stated that according to an autopsy report the first inmate was strangled to death while there was also evidence that he might have been raped.

A relative of the inmate who died this week stated that Edward Bartlett, 36, was a mental patient who was waiting to be transferred to the Kimberley mental health hospital.

“He was in good health when he was taken into custody on charges of domestic violence about a month ago. It does not make any sense that he would suddenly die. We are waiting for the post-mortem results and want answers into the cause of his death. We were informed that when he behaved out of control, due to his mental condition, he would be assaulted in prison,” the relative said.

She added that they were not informed about his death and were also prevented from viewing the body.

“We learnt about what happened

to him on the streets on May 29 and when we arrived at the prison we were denied access to him. At that stage we were not even sure if it was him. We only saw the forensic van removing a body from the centre. At the police mortuary we were told that we were not allowed to view the body as it was ‘government property’,” she stated.

After seeking assistance from

the Office of the Premier, the deceased’s aunt said that a meeting was arranged with officials from the Department of Correctional Services on May 30 at the police mortuary.

“Our rights as the next of kin were violated and we were left traumatised over what happened. Edward was supposed to be buried on May 29, according to our religious customs, while we were told that the autopsy would only be performed on June 1. We were eventually allowed to view the body and prepare him for burial on May 30 when I threatened to withhold his identity document until we could positively identify him.

“Even though we were treated in a very unprofessional manner, we have decided to leave it in God’s hands. At least we were eventually allowed to see him and now we can start the bereavement process.”

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated that the deaths of both inmates had been reported to the SAPS while the department would conduct internal investigations.

“It is standard procedure for the department to report the deaths of inmates and further conduct internal investigations. The murder was also reported to the Judicial Inspectorate,” said Nxumalo.

He added that no foul play was suspected at this stage in relation to Bartlett’s death.

“Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding his death. An autopsy will be conducted and the results communicated to the department.”

Nxumalo stated that, according to their knowledge, Bartlett’s bereaved family were allowed to view his body at the SAPS mortuary.

“A fingerprint versus warrant system was used by the departmental officials to identify the deceased.”

He indicated that all inmates were kept at correctional centres unless declared state patients by the courts.

“The ongoing investigations will reveal the behaviour of the inmate. According to our records, the offender was not declared a state patient.” Nxumalo stated.