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- An official at the Mangaung Correctional Centre was suspended for alleged sexual harassment.
- The prison is a maximum security facility, which is run by G4S SA on behalf of the correctional services department.
- G4S says it is taking the allegations seriously.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) in the Free State said it was concerned after a top official at the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) was suspended, allegedly for sexual harassment.
The MCC is a maximum security facility, which is run by G4S SA on behalf of the correctional services department.
Popcru's provincial secretary, Amelia Mahlatsi, said a high-ranking official at the prison had been suspended in connection with three allegations of sexual harassment.
"Popcru is firmly against any acts of gender-based violence in all its forms, and is increasingly concerned that such serious allegations are levelled against a senior member of the correctional facility, demonstrating the rife nature of the abuse of power exerted on junior officials.
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"It is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which impairs human dignity and creates a hostile working environment - and, as a union that is non-sexist, we do not take these allegations lightly and will therefore work to ensure that women are protected, both in their living and working spaces."
Mahlatsi said the union would monitor the process to ensure the victims were not prejudiced.
In a statement to News24, G4S said: "Following allegations of sexual harassment, we have suspended an employee of the Mangaung Correctional Centre. G4S takes these allegations extremely seriously and has appointed a senior woman to lead a thorough investigation."
Last week, the South African Human Rights Commission said it was investigating allegations that employees at the prison were forced to strip naked, in front of colleagues, during searches.
Employees are searched when they enter the premises to check that they are not smuggling contraband.
