On Thursday, authorities conducted a raid at Goodwood Correctional Facility following the circulation of a video on social media.
Authorities raid Goodwood correctional facility
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The video, which went viral last week, depicted an inmate with contraband items, including a cellphone, while bragging about his comfortable life in prison.
In the background, other inmates could be seen laughing and cheering him on.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed the identity of the inmate as Bornface Banks, a Zimbabwean national who was being held on kidnapping charges.
The DCS stated that Banks had been disciplined and moved to a maximum-security facility.
“DCS is appalled by the video making rounds on social media by inmate Bornface Banks. He is a Zimbabwean national remanded at Goodwood Correctional Centre for kidnapping allegations. A searching exercise was conducted and the used cellphone was confiscated,” said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
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Bornface Banks, the inmate featured in the viral video, is a Zimbabwean national who was remanded at Goodwood Correctional Centre for kidnapping allegations.
In the video, Banks, dressed in yellow prison garments, is seen wearing earphones and smiling widely. He boasts about the supposed comforts of prison life, stating:
“You put us in prison and you think we are suffering… no, my brother, we are doing extremely fine. Look how happy we are.”
Banks continues:
“This morning, we had breakfast; in the afternoon, we had lunch and we had supper… We are about to have dinner, my brother. We are doing extremely fine… We are not even suffering. We are happy. We are not even paying rent. No, we are not buying electricity. We don’t even cook food; they give us [food] for free.”
His remarks were met with laughter and cheers from the surrounding inmates.
The possession and use of cellphones in correctional facilities in South Africa are strictly prohibited and considered a serious offence.
The DCS has confirmed that Banks will face disciplinary action for his actions.
“DCS is deeply incensed by this behaviour and there shall be strong action and consequences,” Nxumalo added.
In a follow-up video, wardens filmed a visibly distressed Banks, who appeared to have sustained injuries, possibly from a physical assault.
He was forced to repeat the statements that had gone viral on social media.
Authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding the condition of Banks following the raid and subsequent disciplinary measures.