Outrage In SA After Zimbabwean Inmate Brags About Good Life In Prison (Video)
A viral video of an inmate on trial, Bornface Banks, bragging about a “comfortable life” in Goodwood prison in Cape Town, prompted correctional services top brass to conduct raids on Thursday.
The video circulating on social media shows Banks, charged with kidnapping, recording himself on a phone boasting about receiving basic necessities such as breakfast, lunch and supper, as well as toiletries for free in prison.
“Hello haters, they put us in prison and you think we are suffering? No, my brother, we are doing extremely fine. Look how happy we are.
“This morning, we had breakfast, in the afternoon we had lunch, and we are about to have dinner. We are happy, and we are not even paying rent, we are not buying electricity, we don’t even cook, they give us food for free. They give us toiletries for free, and the education is free. You think we are suffering, we are not suffering,” Banks, a Zimbabwean, said in the video.
Correctional services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale led a raid at the prison on Thursday morning.
“The issue of cellphones in prison is not new, it is a problem that we face in our daily operations. This is precisely one of the ways that contraband like cellphones are used to get them into our centres,” Thobakgale said, adding that raids were regularly done at the Cape Town prison.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Thobakgale said cellphones got into prisons via accused who go to court.
“They go to court and then come back with contraband. Other inmates swallow the contraband and keep it in their stomach. For us to pick up such we need body scanners, and we have few of those,” he said.
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Banks was moved to a maximum-security prison after the video went viral.
“This is something we don’t take lightly; it’s something that we have attended to. We have moved that inmate to a maximum-security centre where he’ll probably be given an education on what a correctional facility is.
“He’s been in and out of our facility and he sees no wrong in what he has done; instead, he’d want to make a mockery of our correctional services, and that’s something we cannot allow.
“Yes, we are bound by our mandate to provide basic necessities to inmates, but such cannot be viewed as a luxury people can brag about,” Nxumalo said.
Banks has a TikTok account with more than 14,000 followers. The viral video now has more than 1.5-million views on TikTok. He has posted more than 50 videos, some of them while in prison
98.7 said the department was shocked by the number of followers the TikTok account had.
“We always tell people to never encourage such behaviour. We even say to family members that when inmates ask for airtime to not respond to such requests because they would also be breaking the law.”
While Nxumalo expressed concerns about the smuggling of cellphones in prison, he acknowledged that correctional services staff also play a part.
“Our colleagues do take part in allowing the entry of cellphones; we have even suspended some of them and we will open criminal cases. Some of the mobile phones are smuggled in by contractors. Inmates who go to court and come back find ways of hiding these phones. You wouldn’t even believe where they hide them because it’s just shocking.
“It is in our standard operating procedure that routine searches must be conducted. Where are our officials when this is happening? Our investigation will look into that,” he said.
He said the department was working on a system that would stop cellphones from having connectivity in prison.
“We are closer to finalising the development of a technology that will make those mobile phones inoperable in our centres. If we are able to get approval for that solution, it would help us because if you don’t have a signal, you won’t be able to use a cellphone. Some people take it lightly, but a lot of things can go wrong when an inmate has a phone.”
Banks’ joy was cut short. Another video of him saying, “Now I’m suffering,” in which he appears to have been forced to apologise, has been circulating on social media.
In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.
The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”
The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.
The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison
The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.
The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.
PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.
Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.
However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.
Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.
Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.
“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’
“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.
“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.
His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.
The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.
“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”
The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”
Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.
His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.
“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.
“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.
“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.
How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death
The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday said it found nine different drugs and medications in the hotel room of the visiting US-based 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye whose lifeless body was discovered at the Creestar Hotel room, GRA, Sagamu, on Wednesday.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday to confirm Abidoye’s death.
Odutola explained that the Chief Security Officer of the hotel, one Mr Oluwole, reported the incident regarding the discovery of the deceased customer to the police, five days after his arrival from the United States of America.
She said on receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and on arrival, found the body of the deceased already placed inside a car outside the hotel, being prepared to be taken to the morgue by his family.
Odutola said that the deceased’s brother, Jimoh Godday, residing in Imota, Lagos State, informed the police team that his brother had arrived in Nigeria from the USA on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
She explained further that Godday said he had called at the hotel on Monday and knocked on Room 109, where his brother was staying, but got no response after which he requested a spare key from the manager to enter the room, where they discovered his brother’s lifeless body.
Odutola said, “Photos were taken, and various drugs and traditional medicines were recovered from the room.
“The centre of the bed was soaked with a liquid-like substance. A friend of the deceased, Ogunmonti Ogunwole, confirmed that he accompanied his friend, Sunday, to purchase nine different types of medication the previous day due to his complaints of illness.
“The body has since been evacuated to OOUTH morgue in Sagamu for an autopsy.
“No known cause of death yet, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”
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