Despite repudiation from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that a prisoner died at the Johannesburg female prison at the hands of the prison warders, Zodwa Ndlovu's world was shattered when her daughter, Ayanda Andiswa Mkhize, died under mysterious circumstances.
Mkhize died at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital last month after allegedly being tortured by prison guards at the Johannesburg Prison, known as Sun City, last month.
She had been allegedly caught with cell phones in her cell and was then tortured by being shocked to confess as to who the other cell phones belonged to, weeks later she died in hospital as a result.
The grieving mother recounts the events leading up to her daughter's tragic demise, revealing a disturbing pattern of alleged negligence and brutality within the prison system.
“Ayanda was detained at Sun City JHB prison and later caught with cell phones in her cell. Guards took her away, and she was allegedly subjected to electrical shock, leaving her "damaged inside."
“Ayanda fell ill with what seemed like a cold and was taken to Baragwanath hospital (Chris Hani hospital), only to be given medication and sent back to prison without proper care,” Ndlovu said.
During Ndlovu’s visit, Ayanda confided in her mother about her deteriorating health, revealing she had been diagnosed with a heart infection at Chris Hani hospital. Ayanda suspected the electrical shock was the cause, even identifying the guard involved.
However, when Ndlovu questioned the guards, they denied any wrongdoing, appearing worried but uncooperative.
The situation took a dire turn when Ayanda's friends informed Ndlovu that guards were taking her daughter to the hospital again due to coughing blood.
She said her attempts to visit Ayanda were thwarted by bureaucratic red tape, requiring a prison letter to access her.
Tragically, before Zodwa could obtain the necessary paperwork, Ayanda died.
“I called Ayanda's father, who went to the hospital to find answers, but was met with confusion and a lack of transparency. Despite records showing Ayanda's admission, hospital staff claimed ignorance about her whereabouts until it was revealed she had died the night before,” Zodwa said.
“I'm not sure where to go from here. We are struggling to get answers as to what really happened to our child. We need closure as a family so we can move on from this…our daughter had only been there for three years and now she is dead,” Ndlovu said.
The DCS Johannesburg spokesperson, Mocheta Monama, refuted the torture allegations but conceded that Ayanda had died in hospital.
“No truth at all. I'm told the offender (Mkhize) in question was admitted at Bara due to illness and passed away,” Monama said.
Although the hospital could not provide the Saturday Star with a post-mortem, a source close to the Health department confirmed Ayanda had died there.
The matter has sparked outrage with the the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) has condemning the alleged torture and death.
SAPOHR National spokesperson, Golden Miles Bhudu, expressed outrage and shock, stating, "Those entrusted to protect and safeguard Mkhize's well-being have failed dismally."
He said the organisation was informed of the incident through a voice note from a family member.
Bhudu called for immediate intervention by the minister of Justice and Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald and to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
He further called for transparency and cooperation from prison authorities and hospital staff and thorough investigation into the incident.
“SAPOHR has sent the voice note and a formal complaint to various authorities, including the Minister's office, the National Commissioner, and the South African Human Rights Commission.
Bhudu emphasised, "Those responsible must face the full might of the law.
“SAPOHR will not rest until justice is served." Bhudu said.
The incident raises concerns about prison conditions, torture, and accountability within the correctional services system.
Saturday Star