Picture: The inmates with correctional service officials/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) calls on the members of the public to refrain from wearing clothes that replicate the uniform of inmates and department officials. This comes after a TikTok video that went viral on social media platforms, depicting private citizens wearing replica uniforms of inmates and department officials.
“It is unlawful to dress in clothing that replicates the uniforms of inmates and department officials. The department has noted with great concern the proliferation of videos on TikTok and other social media sites by private citizens dressed in replica uniforms for inmates and officials.
“Be it for content generation or other meaning, it has been repeatedly clarified that such conduct is illegal and punishable in law. Section 124(a)(b) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, is explicit on any unauthorised person who wears or uses (a) the departmental dress, distinctive badge, or insignia of the Department or of a custody official; or (b)the prescribed sentenced offender dress, or anything deceptively resembling them is guilty of an offense and liable on conviction to a fine or, in default of payment, to incarceration for a period not exceeding 18 months or to such incarceration without the option of a fine or both,” said department.
The department said it thus again cautioning those involved in such acts to immediately desist from it. In the same vein, the department said it is equally unlawful for inmates to have cell phones.
“The department is also aware of inmates utilising mobile phones, being active on social media, and there are ongoing efforts to deal with this scourge. Hence, inmates found in possession of cell phones are charged in terms of Section 23 (1) of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998,” the department said.
The Guardian 