Gustavo, prison boss butt heads over jail conditions

JEMIMA BEUKESWINDHOEKThe Windhoek Correctional Facility’s officer in charge, Deputy Commissioner Veikko Armas, yesterday quashed Ricardo Gustavo’s allegations that the facility does not grant inmates access to their laptops, lawyers or proper medical care.Pleading for his release, Gustavo this week told the court that he feels like a boxer in the ring with one arm tied behind his back while the opposition has both arms – while expecting to fight a fair fight against the might of the state.However, Armas told the court that inmates are allowed to make arrangements with prison authorities to have extended consultation hours with their lawyers.Not recklessArmas disputed Gustavo’s claims that he was ‘recklessly’ exposed to Covid-19, saying they adhere to all health protocols and have a doctor on site.The facility also has access to three registered nurses and three enrolled nurses based at the clinic on site.According to him, inmates suspected of having Covid-19 are taken for testing, and then immediately isolated when the results are positive.“Our hospitals are for the inmates and sometimes they are taken outside if there are no services and those requesting to see private doctors are taken to their private doctors,” Armas said.He also said he was not informed about Gustavo contracting Covid-19 whilst in prison.“I haven’t heard any complaint that he [Gustavo] was sick, only around July when he was taken outside to Auas Hills and he returned after he had recovered.”Armas also pointed out that contrary to the claims of Gustavo and his legal counsel, confidential documents needed to prepare for their hearings may be kept in their cells or locked up for safe-keeping on the prison premises.He told the court that, in fact, Gustavo’s co-accused Mike Nghipunya was allowed to bring in his personal laptop.However, while probed by Gustavo’s lawyer Trevor Brockerhoff, Armas conceded that the facility does not have an intercom or facilities for an inmate to raise the alarm, but it does have officers who do regular rounds.“So, if Gustavo has a heart attack between three and four in the morning, there is no way he can alert you. These patrols also happen two or three hours apart,” he said.According to Brockerhoff, his client suffered food poisoning one evening in July and when help eventually arrived, it took a full hour for the staff to find the person with the key.Brockerhoff also questioned the lack of cardiologists at the correctional facility, but Armas explained that inmates are referred to specialists.jemima@namibiansun.com

Gustavo, prison boss butt heads over jail conditions

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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Gustavo, prison boss butt heads over jail conditions

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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