HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER JUSTIFY USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE DURING RECENT PRISON RIOT

The actions of prison officers to use excessive force which resulted in the deaths of two inmates, was done to prevent another jail break. This is according to Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn.

The prison service said the men were shot after they attempted to break the main gate in a bid to escape. However Benn was question by the opposition.

The minister said several officers were attacked and had no other alternative but to open fire on the prisoners.

“The loss of life is in any event, regrettable and sad. But I would have to say that my understanding is that the final perimeter of the prisons was under attack and shots were fired and guards were being besieged along with the prison wardens, and they took the measure necessary to ensure that we do not have the results of problems we had in the past, in relation to the outbreaks of prisons”, the Minister said.