Cape Town - Fears of an outbreak of diphtheria in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre have arisen amid claims that a warden has been diagnosed with the illness.
The claims made by an insider come just days after the Western Cape Health Department confirmed four cases in the metro resulting in the death of an elderly woman in the Riemvasmaak informal settlement.
According to a source inside the prison, wardens are running scared as inmates have fallen ill for several weeks. The source said on Monday, a nurse was seen conducting swab tests in the E-Section of the prison.
“First it was 15 people being taken out then another eight. Everyone in Pollsmoor is living in fear and part of the problem is that with Operation Vala, they moved prisoners around. Just last week inmates from Worcester, Breede River and Brandvlei were brought here,” the source said.
Health Department spokesperson, Natalie Watlington, confirmed they are working with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) after lab tests confirmed a positive case at one of the correctional centres.
“We can confirm that Western Cape Government Health and Wellness in partnership with DCS have implemented a co-ordinated plan to manage cases involving inmates who were in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed case. For further details, please contact DCS directly.”
DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said: “The DCS is aware of reports suggesting cases of diphtheria at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility. These reports appear to stem from the case of a former inmate who was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital. We urge all commentators and stakeholders to rely on official guidance and updates from the Department of Health regarding the status of diphtheria in the Western Cape.”
He said Pollsmoor Correctional Centre is a remand detention and admission centre and receives both remand detainees and sentenced offenders with further charges from courts.
“This high level of movement necessitates a thorough and evidence-based process of investigation by the relevant health authorities before any conclusions or public statements can be made. We call for patience as the appropriate bodies conduct their assessments. The health and safety of all inmates and officials within our facilities remain a top priority.”
This comes just a year after a 19-year-old inmate from Pollsmoor died after contracting the infection in prison. The teen was transferred to a local hospital where he later died as several others were placed in isolation.