Swakop prison van in tatters

THE only prison services vehicle in working condition in Swakopmund has serious holes in the canopy which holds prisoners in transit.

The back barred window – big enough for any man to fit through – is missing.

According to prison officials, prisoners have to sit in the cab with the driver to and from the court or wherever they are being transported to.

“This is the only vehicle we have now. I don’t know when we will get a replacement,” an officer said.

Swakopmund’s weather conditions are known to corrode vehicles because of the moisture from sea, but this should be no excuse to compromise the safety and integrity of the prisoners as well as that of the prison officers.

A senior official at the transport department, a Mr Damaseb, told The Namibian that the back window fell out about two weeks ago when it was raining but the number plate also falls off once in a while – “it happens”.

He said that the other vehicle the department has cannot be used because it was involved in an accident between Swakopmund and Henties Bay. He said prisoners are not supposed to be transported in the cab, but added that “one guy” was transported in front – but was cuffed.

“We have requested for another canopy,” he assured.

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