Senior Westville Prison official in corruption probe

DURBAN - Can grilled chicken and diamond rings make a prisoner’s life better?

Well, that’s the price Rosanne Narandas – the mother of convicted murderer Rajiv Narandas – says she had to pay.

In a sworn statement, she claims a senior Westville Prison official demanded benefits from her over two years.

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Now, the Correctional Services Department is investigating whether any benefits were received by the official and to what end.

According to a sworn affidavit in eNCA’s possession, Narandas alleges she feared for her son’s safety under that employee’s control.

She further claims she acceded to all requests he made because he had previously proven he could move Rajiv Narandas to different sections – if, and when – he pleased.

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Narandas states she never intended to bribe or influence the official, and “felt compelled” to provide whatever he needed because her son’s life was “in his hands.”

She also mentions several times that she would be willing to test her claims via polygraph tests.

The employee – whose conduct has previously been criticised by his subordinates at both Westville and another facility – is currently still at work.

* eNCA’s Dasen Thathiah reports.