Pretoria - At least thirty-one officials from the George Correctional Centre have been found guilty of unprofessional conduct, gross negligence and flouting basic security procedures.
The department of correctional services conducted a series of disciplinary hearings, after numerous incidents at the centre including the death of an offender.
It was found that an offender at the centre, Charles Thompson, was not given medical attention when he reported health complaints.
"It is believed that the inmate might not have passed on had he received the requisite medical attention when he complained," said the department.
The responsible official was found guilty of gross negligence.
In other hearings, officials were found guilty of flouting basic security procedures and unprofessional conduct, including assault on offenders.
"The department condemns all forms of violence, whether by inmates on officials or by officials on inmates, negligence and unprofessional conduct as these threaten delivery on our core mandate of ensuring safe custody.
"The incident and passing on of the offender were reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) who are conducting an investigation and also to the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services," the department said.
