Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 6, 2007
This is despite the law clearly setting out the obligations of the prison authorities in this regard, says the document, tabled in Parliament today.
Such obligations included a prisoner's "right to undergo a health status examination, which must include testing for contagious and communicable diseases.
"Sadly, very few prisons comply with these provisions... Non-compliance with particularly the health status examination has far-reaching consequences."
The document also strongly criticises strip searches carried out on newly admitted prisoners.
"These people, many first time offenders, are ordered to undress in groups until they are naked.
"With clothes in hands and in clear sight of all onlookers, they must then squat (crouch with the hamstring resting on the backs of the heels) while opening their mouths and sticking out their tongues.
"Correctional officials explained that this is standing practice to ensure that no contraband is smuggled into prisons," the report said.
Briefing MPs at a meeting of Parliament's correctional services portfolio committee today, an inspectorate official described this as a "particularly undignified procedure."
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