Correction: Prison clarification on charged officers

A prison officer charged with two criminal offences, assault causing actual bodily harm and making threats to kill, remains on duty.

A second officer charged with rape has been suspended.

In an earlier version of this story, it was incorrectly stated the two officers were charged in relation to a rape incident. Prison administrators have since clarified that the two incidents are unconnected and unrelated. We apologise for the error.

Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo brought the issue to the LA Friday (5 April,) seeking answers from Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson.
Mr. Manderson confirmed two officers were facing criminal charges.

In reference to the officer charged with assault, Mr. Manderson said, “He is one of two persons who are certified to train prison officers in control and restraint techniques which is absolutely vital to their performance and their safety and he remains on duty. We expect the case will be heard by the end of this month. Obviously, if he is convicted action will be taken.” The Deputy Governor adds the decision to keep the officer on duty also stemmed from policy to reduce the number of civil servants on required leave. This was an issue raised by MLAs.