Jail torture claims rock security firm

G4S has denied knowledge of any wrongdoing, saying that it had a "zero tolerance" approach to the excessive use of force. Photo / Thinkstock

Former G4S employee alleges that shocks and injections were used to instil fear in inmates

British security company G4S is under fire in South Africa over allegations its staff tortured inmates at the country's biggest private prison through electrocutions and forced injections.

One whistleblower alleges the emergency security team at the maximum-security Mangaung Correctional Centre near Bloemfontein stripped prisoners, threw water over them then shocked them with electric shields "to instil fear".

A former inmate claimed he had been subjected to such treatment in his cell, and was left "naked and bleeding on the floor" before a staff member returned to inject him with an unknown substance.

South Africa's correctional services department took over the running of the prison earlier this month, saying G4S had "lost effective control" after stabbings, riots, hostage-takings and strikes by prison staff.

Sibusiso Ndebele, South Africa's Correctional Services Minister, said an investigation had been opened into the latest allegations by Wits University's Justice Project.

A former G4S employee, who did not wish to be named, said he and his colleagues used electric shields because they were hopelessly outnumbered by dangerous prisoners.

"We use them sometimes because we are understaffed and we are expected to bring out the results and also to instil fear in the inmates," he told the BBC.

G4S has denied knowledge of any wrongdoing, saying that it had a "zero tolerance" approach to the excessive use of force.

"It is unfortunate that the media is pursuing a story based on unsubstantiated allegations from anonymous sources, disgruntled former employees and convicted criminals," said Andy Baker, the regional president for G4S Africa.

The allegations add to mounting problems for G4S, whose British chief executive resigned last week after questions were raised about its tagging of criminals.

During a year-long investigation, Ruth Hopkins, of the Wits Justice Project, spoke to former prison warders, members of the prison's medical team, members of the emergency security team and inmates.

British law firm Leigh Day said it was preparing a case against G4S on behalf of several inmates.