Port St Johns, central to the Wild Coast

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,159384,00.html

Prisoners are buying maps and plans from correctional services officials says an inmate

November 16, 2007, 18:00

The SABC has learnt that prisoners are preparing to buy maps and plans from correctional services officials and warders. The maps detail how they plan to prevent escapes this festive season, including when and where warders will be on duty.

This is peak season for prison escapes, especially in the Eastern Cape. More than 72 prisoners escaped from South African prisons between January and November this year and the Eastern Cape has the highest number of break-outs with 20 escapes. There were 17 escapes from KwaZulu-Natal correctional facilities this year and 12 in Gauteng. This time last year, notorious awaiting trial detainee, Annanias Mathe, the Mozambican national, escaped from the from C-Max Prison in Pretoria and was recaptured. Ten dangerous criminals escaped through a sophisticated security system at Qalakabusha in Empangeni three months ago.

Last year Eastern Cape prisoners got hold of last year's festive season escape prevention plan - now they say they know all about this year's plans as well.

The prisoner who revealed all, told reporters: "Prisoners are already aware of what channels will be taken by officials if any incident is taking place during the festive season."

The whistle-blower was commended for exposing last year's plans but now she says she has evidence that it's going to happen again. She says warders and officials sell the plans for between R2 000 and R10 000 each.