SA Tourism board members

Lindiwe Sisulu has been accused of breaking the law by ignoring a Parliamentary summons. Image: Twitter/@LindiweSisuluSA.

‘No special visits’: Lindiwe Sisulu ‘denied’ access to see John Block

The Department of Correctional Services has weighed in on Lindiwe Sisulu’s claims that she was denied access to see fraudster John Block.

SA Tourism board members

Lindiwe Sisulu has been accused of breaking the law by ignoring a Parliamentary summons. Image: Twitter/@LindiweSisuluSA.

The Department of Correctional Services has weighed in on Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s claims that she was denied a visit to see convicted fraudster John Block.

Sisulu and Reverend Allan Boesak were at a Correctional Services Facility in Northern Cape to visit the former ANC Chairperson in the Northern Cape is currently serving 15 years. 

LINDIWE SISULU ‘DENIED’ VISIT TO JOHN BLOCK 

Following the alleged incident, Lindiwe Sisulu called an urgent media briefing on Tuesday. 

According to Sisulu, she made the necessary application to see John Block who has had relatives, friends, other Ministers and Deputy Minister’s come see him. 

“As you know, every offender in terms of the constitution has a right to visitors. This is part of the legal framework in which we work. John Block is no exception to that. He is entitled to visitors. We went to the prison authorities and after much interaction between myself, my staff and the prison authorities, we were denied the rights to see him,” Sisulu explained. 

Furthermore, Sisulu said on arrival at the facility when the prison authorities were informed that she was coming to see John Block they said they did not have any provision in the law for a Minister to visit a prisoner which she claims is not true.

“Like anybody else, a Minister has a right to visit a relative for as long as that is allowed by the law, and that is allowed in this case, not only by the law but by the Constitution. I had made the necessary arrangements to come and see him including the arrangements of who would be accompanying me to see him,” she added. 

ALSO READ: DA slams Sisulu’s 50/50 racial model in schools

Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said no member of the public can ever be denied an opportunity to visit an inmate inline with the prescribed procedures as outlined in the Correctional Services Act. 

Nxumalo said there is nothing in law prohibiting Ministers from visiting inmates, however, it has to be stated that the same procedures meant for members of the public apply equally to the Executive and individuals who may want to provide spiritual support. 

“The Correctional Services Act calls for inmates to be treated equally and it will be unfortunate if some are to be treated differently due to their proximity in whatever capacity to certain leaders and prominent people in society.”

Singabakho Nxumalo