The IEC says it is pinning its hope in the hands of police for the safety of its staff who will be assisting inmates who will be voting on Wednesday at the Ebongweni C-Max prison in Kokstad in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
The prison houses inmates who have exhibited consistent disruptive behaviour and are regarded as particularly dangerous and violent.
At least 2 500 inmates are expected to cast their votes in all KwaZulu-Natal prisons.
IEC’s Regional Manager Simon Lingani says while they understand that Ebongweni’s security system involves hi-tech control inside and around the prison, the safety of IEC staff is a priority.
He says: “The safety of both the electorate and our staff depends entirely on the police. The police will accompany to the prison voting stations as well as party agents and prison warders.”
“We had a number of meetings with the police in order to request their assistance in securing our staff. We are aware that the high max prison has dangerous criminals but they promised us that nothing will happen to us.”
