Deputy Speaker, hon Minister, the current strategic plan of the department lists the vision of the department as follows:
To be one of the best service providers in the world by delivering correctional services with integrity and commitment to excellence. Minister, it has become very clear that there are employees who do not belong in this department; neither do these employees identify with the vision of the department, and it is our contention that the sooner such employees are identified, the better.
Part of the risk is that we just do not know who we employ in those departments, and who has the role of the safe custody of inmates. I believe that the vetting process of the Department of Correctional Service employees can no longer be delayed, and it must be completed as soon as possible.
From your statement today, Minister, it appears that collusion between detainees and department staff cannot be ruled out. I agree with Mr Selfe; not so long ago, a similar incident occurred in Durban, and there again collusion is being suspected.
Correctional Services has a pivotal role to play if we are ever to succeed in reducing crime in South Africa. And therefore, all acts that undermine the role of the department need to be dealt with speedily and decisively. We support you, Minister, for doing exactly that: dealing with this matter decisively and with great speed. However, we believe that the political authority of the Department, together with senior management, must send out a clear message that anybody in your department who is found guilty of unacceptable conduct will not be spared.
We agree with most of the speakers that spoke before us and with you, Minister, that those who were party to this incident must be criminally charged with aiding and abetting the escape of awaiting-trail detainees. Thank you.