At least 30 members of Shembe Church incarcerated at the Sun City correction service facility, this week claimed they were discriminated against because of their faith.
In an interview with Sunday World, the adherents claimed they were treated differently and not accorded, in terms of their religious rites, the treatment that accords with their fasting period, a privilege routinely extended to Muslims, Hindus and Christians.
But department of correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo described their grievances as invalid and without substance.
“No inmate was forced to eat food that they are not allowed to eat during fasting.
“Inmates are provided with suitable food during their fasting period.
“No inmate was told by officials not to choose what they wish to eat; they are provided with the proper diet during fasting as prescribed.
“Management is not aware of the allegations and no inmates’ rights have been trampled on based on religion or belief. All inmates are allowed to practise their religion.
“No inmate is deprived of food during any meals, and they are served with meals as prescribed.
“But speaking from behind the prison walls, Shembe church inmates insisted they were subjected to unfair and discriminatory treatment, denied to practise their rites and provision of meals earmarked for special events such as fasting. Another inmate complained the officials were hard on them, and insensitive to dictates of their religious practices which demand of them during a specific period of the year to perform certain rituals.
“As Shembe church members we find ourselves in a sticky position during fasting period. “Our faith demands of us to eat meals such as beef, uphutu and amasi (both traditional South African dishes enjoyed by a section of the population).
“On these occasions, we are not allowed to eat bread, eggs and chicken, but the prison officials force us to indulge in these meals,”said an inmate.
Another inmate said because of this treatment, they have been subjected to humiliation as they regard their faith and religion as sacrosanct.
“We should eat three times a day, but the officials force us to eat forbidden food.
“During breakfast, lunch and supper, we are deprived of food. When we complain, we are told ‘this is a prison and not a Shembe church’.
“Previously, church leaders brought us food, but now this is not allowed.
“What is worse is that other people such as Muslims, Hindus and Christians get preferential [treatment],” said an inmate.
South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights Golden Miles Bhudu said: “I recall two weeks ago to have received a call from the Shembe church members complaining about the matter.
“I told them to demand that the management invite me, so that I address the matter.
“I told them that if the management refused to have their demands met, they must revolt and go on a hunger strike. As an organisation, we are prepared to join their cause to deal with their situation.
“We have sent the complaints of these prisoners to correctional services minister and his deputy minister, national commissioner, and the area commissioner.
“I have heard that they are not going to get back to me as they said they will be verifying the information and that those prisoners are using illegal gadgets.”
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