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The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Linda Mti, has expressed shock regarding the death of three Correctional Services officials at Boksburg yesterday (Sunday, 21 December 2003). He has expressed condolences to families of the bereaved and hope they will find peace during this difficult times. He has also instructed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by a regional team in Gauteng, particularly looking at circumstances that lead to an official shooting and killing his managers.

In his address to staff this morning at Boksburg prison, the Chief Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services, Mr Siyabulela Mlombile, urged staff to seek better solutions to work related stress they might be experiencing. "Employees must acquire skills in coping with work relations/pressure, financial management and personal/family matters," Mlombile said to senior managers and staff. He indicated that Correctional Services officials must be empowered to cope with life challenges so as to benefit prisoners as well. Prisoners see Correctional Services officials as their mentors and rely to them for positive development.

He urged officials to prioritise their activities and ensure that the Department of Correctional Services policies are correctly applied. Any difference of opinion should not in anyway lead to similar incidence - death. All avenues in resolving work related problems must be sought, and managers must seek meaningful solutions in this regard.

Officials are urged to consult with the local chaplain, social workers and employee assistance practitioners available for counselling purposes. These services will continue to be available to staff in need.

The deceased are Mr Marcus Rantho (32) of Daveyton, Ms Nomsa Masilela (33) Mamelodi East and Mr Ezekiel Makhasonke Sibeko of Volksrust. The date of funeral is not yet known.

Enquiries: Russel Mamabolo @ 082 808 7524 or Isaac Mosiane @ 082 809 5649

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services, 22 December 2003

Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za)