Kgosi Mampuru II Scandal: When Prison Becomes a Site of Sexual Exploitation
The Department of Correctional Services has finally bowed to pressure and launched an investigation into horrifying allegations that newly incarcerated inmates at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria are being forced to buy beds, or pay with their bodies. This is not just a story about prison corruption; it is a stark reminder of how the most vulnerable in our society continue to be preyed upon by systems designed to protect them.
Our colleagues at IOL first exposed this alleged misconduct on August 17, reporting that new inmates are forced to pay R240 each for a bed. Those who cannot pay are left to sleep on the cold, hard concrete floor. But the abuse does not stop there. Sources allege that inmates unable to pay are subjected to sexual assault or rape by stronger, feared counterparts. The money extorted from these victims is reportedly deposited into the bank account of a man orchestrating this racket from outside the prison walls.
What is the Department of Correctional Services doing about these allegations?
Correctional Services spokesperson Logan Maistry stated at the weekend that the department's National Commissioner, Makhothi Thobakgale, has appointed a team to investigate the allegations of sexual assault, extortion, and any related misconduct. The findings will be referred to the police for criminal investigation.
“The allegation that beds are sold for cash and that inmates who cannot pay are forced to sleep on the floor or pay with sex is part of the investigation appointed by the National Commissioner,” Maistry said.
Maistry refuted claims that sexual assault in prison facilities is rife, but insisted the DCS takes such allegations seriously. He was adamant that the department has no policy necessitating the selling of beds to inmates.
“The allocation of bed space is an administrative function and is not for sale,” he said.
How widespread is the abuse in South African prisons?
The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) has alleged that this mistreatment at Kgosi Mampuru is not an isolated incident. It claims the abuse is widespread in many correctional centres across the country, and that prison warders are often enablers. Maistry did not deny or admit to these specific allegations, but maintained that DCS prohibits any collusion between officials and gangs.
“Where officials are found to have been involved in sexual assault, corruption, or facilitating gang activity, they are subjected to disciplinary processes, which may result in dismissal, and criminal cases are opened with SAPS, as DCS does not tolerate such conduct,” Maistry said.
SAPOHR spokesperson Golden Miles Bhudu was blunt about the reality inside our prisons. He said bed-for-cash and sex have “been the norm in prisons”.
“Particularly against the weak, vulnerable, first-time incarcerated, and awaiting-trial offenders. If the money is not coming, forced unnatural sex, rape, or non-consensual sexual relationships are the alternative,” Bhudu said.
Why has this prison culture been allowed to fester?
Prince Nare, co-director of Just Detention International South Africa (JDI-SA), recently stated that inmate sexual assault has been a prison culture for years, but has been shunned by prison authorities and society. He said victims share their painful experiences upon release, including instances where prison warders facilitate rapes.
“They are forced or tricked into sexual relationships, and this abuse has been taking place for a very, very long time. It is an expected culture inside, but it can be stopped,” he said.
Nare described the problem as serious, while officials “turn a blind eye”. This is a damning indictment of a system that is failing the most marginalised. The DCS claims to recognise that correctional centres house diverse populations, including vulnerable groups such as first-time offenders, young offenders, LGBTQIA+ persons, and persons with disabilities. It says it conducts assessments to establish vulnerability and places those at risk in single cells or special care sections.
But the question remains: why has it taken a media exposé for the department to act? Why are these protections not already in place? The legacy of a brutal and dehumanising carceral system, built on the foundations of apartheid, continues to haunt us. We cannot claim to uphold the Constitution while allowing our brothers and sisters to be raped and extorted behind bars.
Maistry urged anyone with specific information to provide it to the DCS, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) and Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs).
“No inmate deserves to be ill-treated, assaulted, or raped. Ill-treatment is not part of any sentence imposed by a court and is not condoned by DCS,” he said.
These are strong words, but we have heard them before. What we need is action. The investigation must be thorough, transparent, and must lead to prosecutions. The culture of silence and complicity must end. Our people deserve dignity, even behind bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific allegations at Kgosi Mampuru II prison?
New inmates are allegedly forced to pay R240 for a bed or sleep on the concrete floor. Those who cannot pay are reportedly subjected to sexual assault or rape by other inmates. The money is allegedly deposited into a bank account controlled by a person outside the prison.
Who is investigating the prison abuse claims?
The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makhothi Thobakgale, has appointed a team to investigate the allegations. The findings will be referred to the South African Police Service for criminal investigation.
Is the abuse at Kgosi Mampuru II an isolated incident?
No. The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) alleges that the mistreatment is widespread across many correctional centres in South Africa, and that prison warders are often enablers in the abuse.
What can be done to stop sexual assault in South African prisons?
Advocates like Prince Nare of JDI-SA say the culture can be stopped. It requires prison authorities to stop turning a blind eye, to hold warders accountable, and to implement robust protection systems for vulnerable inmates, including proper assessments and safe housing.