Correctional Services officials are investigating how inmate Jermaine Prim was able to participate in a lengthy phone interview without approval.
Image: Bheki Radebe
A telephone interview between eNCA and prisoner Jermaine Prim at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre was "strongly condemned" by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), which also confirmed that an investigation has been started to find out how the incident happened.
As the DCS initiates its inquiry, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), led by Gayton McKenzie, wasted no time in declaring that McKenzie will be pursuing a lawsuit in his individual capacity against National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald, broadcaster eNCA, its editor, and journalist Heidi Giokos.
Prim claims that during his incarceration, McKenzie sent him two cell phones.
In a statement issued on Saturday, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the interview took place without the approval of National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale.
“This engagement, conducted without the approval of the National Commissioner, represents a clear violation of established Standard Operating Procedures.”
He added that media houses are required to formally apply for permission to interview offenders to ensure that security, legal processes, and victims’ rights are not compromised.
“No such application was received or approved,” he said.
Nxumalo said that the extended and uninterrupted nature of the interview raises serious concerns about possible breaches of internal controls and whether unauthorised communication channels were used.
He said the investigation will focus on determining the method of communication and identifying any compliance failures.
“The department remains committed to upholding institutional security and will act decisively against any conduct that undermines the correctional system.”
Nxumalo urged media institutions to exercise due diligence and adhere to the regulatory framework governing engagements with offenders.
The controversy comes after Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which is investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, recently concluded oral hearings that revealed several claims and new evidence.
During proceedings, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party MP and committee member David Skosana questioned Mkhwanazi about allegations contained in a letter from Prim.
The letter, which has not been published in full, refers to conversations Prim allegedly had with murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Prim claims he shared a prison cell with Matlala at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility and detailed their discussions in the letter.
Mkhwanazi acknowledged that the letter constitutes hearsay evidence.
In the letter, Prim alleges he has a voice recording linking Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to drug dealers and illicit funds.
However, IOL News previously reported that McKenzie has denied knowing any of the alleged individuals, including Matlala.
“I don’t know Cat Matlala. I’ve never met him. I don’t know these people,” McKenzie said, rejecting the claims.
He also criticised Mkhwanazi for allegedly failing to verify the information before presenting it and said he had not been contacted for comment.
“You don’t make such serious allegations. I am a member of the executive branch of this country,” he said.
Kunene also dismissed the allegations, stating that neither he nor McKenzie is involved in drug-related activities.
Kunene alleged that Prim has been sending insulting WhatsApp messages from prison and previously had access to a cellphone while incarcerated.
He said authorities transferred Prim from Sun City Prison to C-Max after evidence emerged of misconduct.
“We have ignored Jermaine because he is seeking attention in prison,” Kunene said.
He further questioned the credibility of Prim’s claims, stating that neither he nor McKenzie has ever had direct dealings with him or Matlala.
Kunene added that the Patriotic Alliance has grown “ethically” and through grassroots engagement with communities.
IOL News