MP: "Holding cells in GR not fit for use"

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The holding cells at the Graaff-Reinet Police Station are not fit to hold detainees.

According to DA Member of Parliament and Constituency Leader for the Dr Beyers Naudé, Samantha Graham-Maré, she recently went to the holding cells on an oversight inspection after she received complaints about toilets that are overflowing and established that the holding cells are not fit for detention purposes.

"There where no toilets overflowing, but what I found was definitely reason for concern. The holding cells are an unmitigated disaster. Of the eight cells available, only two are usable – one very large one, used for the drunk and disorderly, and another one used for male detainees.

Of the remainder, three are permanently locked as the locking mechanisms have seized. The bars of two of these had to be cut to get the detainees out of the cells. Another has a damaged solid door that is extremely dangerous."

According to Graham-Maré, drinking fountains are not working, some showers are not operational, and there are cells with toilets that do not function properly.

Another major issue is that the contract for the washing of blankets used by the detainees has lapsed and no blankets have been washed since October 2021.

After the oversight inspection she contacted the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to inform him of the issues at the holding cells.

According to Graham-Maré the minister admitted that the sewerage system at the police station was extremely outdated and that budget had been allocated for a revamp during this financial year but disputed that there were problems with overflowing toilets.

According to his response the sewage system for the station was built in 1976 and last repaired in July last year.

Graham-Maré stated that she will be liaising with her colleagues on the police portfolio committee, on a national and provincial level, with respect to the challenges faced by the police in Graaff-Reinet.

As DA Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure she will also be taking up issues around the repair and refurbishment required at the Graaff-Reinet Police Station in national parliament.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides that everyone has the right not to be treated or punished in an inhumane or degrading way. It further provides that every detained person has the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity.

"Irrespective of the fact that those using these facilities are people who have broken, or have allegedly broken the law, their basic human rights should be acknowledged and protected."

Graaff-Reinet Advertiser sent an enquiry to warrant officer Majola Nkohli, SAPS spokesperson for the Sarah Baartman District.

He had not replied to our enquiry at the time of going to press.

The drinking fountain in the holding cells is not working.