Madam Deputy Speaker, may I, firstly, apologise, hon Minister, that the hon Meshoe is not in the House today.
The ACDP shares concerns regarding escapes from courts, prisons and holding cells, particularly where such escapes involve high-profile and dangerous prisoners. One escape is one too many; 1 908 appears to be unacceptable. When police or prison officials additionally assist in escapes, they put the lives of colleagues and the public at risk, and it becomes all the more reprehensible. We therefore welcome the fact, hon Minister, that where officials have been found to be implicated, they face the full force of the law.
In view of your response, hon Minister, are you satisfied that sufficient steps are being taken by the police to prevent persons escaping from holding cells or when being transported to courts, or appearing in courts? Will the SAPS continue to probe the possibility of prison officials being bribed to help Ananias Mathe escape, as suggested by the investigating team? Thank you very much.