The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) says reports that a dark syndicate allegedly consisting of sexual trade between inmates and wardens and a deadly gang that poisons any whistle-blowers attempting to expose their shady dealings at the Mangaung is not far-fetched. The report that was leaked over the weekend and alleges that Thabo Bester ran the scheme with the help of GS4 wardens where female prison wardens offer

inmates sex and other prison officials in exchange for a fee of R1000 or R1500.

IT'S THE TRUTH

The document allegedly revealed that offenders said to be possible whistle-blowers about the illegal activities happening inside the prison were poisoned. The so-called leaked document also alleged that the syndicate helped Bester escape the infamous prison. SAPOHR activist Golden Miles Bhudu said the "leaked document" which details how the ring works was based on truth since some inmates have ended up in hospital as a result of poisoning. "Yes, there are two prisoners who to date are living in fear after blowing the whistle on prison guards who gave them poison to poison fellow inmates because these prisoners know too much. We have noted the story and for us this is a horror script of a real story. What is important is to bring it to the attention of fellow South Africans..." he said. Bhudu said such syndicates have been a thing since the 90's where wardens sell young boys to older inmates to keep the peace and make a quick buck. "We need to stop this atrocity and abuse of power. I am an enemy of the Department of Correctional Services today because we want to advocate for the rights of prisoners," he said.

UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo has acknowledged the leaked document but reduced it to unfounded allegations pending investigations. "A significant amount of details in that report raised toward offenders verbally provided to the team, as a result, such would call for an in-depth investigation, to be conducted in order to ascertain any level of truthfulness. That investigation is yet to be concluded as some parts of it relate to the escape of Thabo Bester and that is the subject of court and the investigations in that respect have never been closed.' he said.