JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has disputed claims by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal team that restrictions at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre made it difficult to file his affidavit and prepare him to testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The department revealed this on Monday as Matlala returned to the hot seat.
However, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Matlala and his legal team were given three consecutive days to consult and were even offered office space.
Nxumalo said the first consultation took place on 21 August, when Matlala met with a delegation of five lawyers.
Two lawyers returned the following day, while three attended the consultation on 23 August.
“They managed to consult with Matlala. I do not know then what else was expected of us," Nxumalo said.
He stressed that while consultations are held in private, a level of security is always maintained to ensure everyone’s safety.
Nxumalo added that lawyers are required to make arrangements beforehand so officials can prepare inmates and avoid delays.
“By law, every offender who requires to consult with a lawyer must be afforded space to do so.
"It is a matter of saying where you detain the level of security, but that space is convenient so that a lawyer can have that engagement with a client," he said.