GEORGE NEWS - The three Huis Outeniekwa imates who were responsible for the stand-off on Tuesday 14 June when they escaped onto the roof of the institution and pelted police, security personnel and staff with broken roof tiles, appeared in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court on Friday 17 June.
The three, aged 15, 16 and 18 years, face a charge of malicious damage to property after damaging the roof to the tune of R10 000.
Huis Outeniekwa in Golf Street, Parkdene is a Department of Social Services secure care centre that accommodates about 140 underage trial awaiting and convicted boys. The three were apparently held in isolation following an incident last Monday, but managed to escape onto the roof at about 14:00.
They started chopping up the concrete roof tiles with spades to use as missiles. The police were called in just after dark.
They arrested all three and confiscated a stockpile of handmade weapons.
Residents of Parkdene who live in the vicinity, are unhappy with Huis Outeniekwa in their neighbourhood. "It was initially built as a place of safety for children and not as a junior correctional facility. Some of these children are dangerous criminals and the facility is not suitable to hold criminals," a resident said.
The department is systematically upgrading the security infrastructure to reduce the risk of absconders, as can be seen by upgrades to the five-metre high perimeter fencing.
Social Development Head of Communications Esther Lewis said three extra staff members have been deployed to assist at the centre.
Click here for previous articles:
- Huis Outeniekwa escapees in court today
- Rooftop drama at juvenile centre
- 1 arrested after Huis Outeniekwa disturbance
- All calm after Huis Outeniekwa riot
- Update: Riot at Huis Outeniekwa
- Riot at Huis Outeniekwa
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
