![](https://www.bona.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-rdne-6069308.jpg)
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has expressed shock at a recent video circulating on social media, which shows an inmate flaunting his comfortable life in prison.
The video has sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and raised concerns over the privileges afforded to prisoners.
In the video, the inmate claims that life in prison is comfortable. He shows other prisoners in the background having fun, laughing, and listening to music.
“Hello haters, you put us in prison and you think we are suffering? No, my brother, we are doing extremely fine, look how happy we are,” he says.
Soft life in SA prison??🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/8fQpB7tK0S
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 15, 2024
According to The Citizen, the DCS has said that prisoners are not allowed to own cell phones or other contraband, but it is not uncommon for prisoners to illegally acquire them through smuggling and corruption.
DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the department was disgusted by the video.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is appalled by the video making rounds on social media by inmate Bornface Banks,” said Nxumalo.
Banks is a Zimbabwean national currently detained at the Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town for an alleged kidnapping. The phone has subsequently been confiscated and Banks will be taken through a disciplinary process.
“Mobile phones are defined as contraband in correctional centres hence illegal access and usage is a punishable offence,” he added.
The department has launched an investigation into the matter and has promised to take appropriate action against the inmate and any other individuals involved.
X (formally Twitter) users responded with shock to the video and bemoaned the department for allowing criminals to live lives of comfort.
Can they arrest him again for posting while his in prison? 😭😭
— thapelo. (@__ThapeloM) July 15, 2024
EASY LIFE IN SA PRISONS
A dangerous Zimbabwean prisoner brags about soft life in South African prisons where inmates eat 3 meals a day and have cellphones. @GroenewaldPJ pic.twitter.com/rz20h8J1TN— Dudula News (@PatrioticMedia1) July 16, 2024
This is sickening, to think that our taxes are feeding them makes me want to vomit
— Zinhle MaMkhize Sokhela (@ZinhleSokh92169) July 16, 2024
While students are struggling to get food, places to stay in universities, mxm why not free food and accommodation for students instead
— Mr Fittz (@Sanele123452) July 15, 2024
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
Published first on African Insider
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