South Africa's correctional services department has released an official statement regarding the pictures which showed scantily-dressed women performing at a prison in Johannesburg.


The department's acting head, James Smalberger, said that he was deeply disturbed by the “unfortunate incident” saying officials would investigate how the dancers came to perform despite their request being turned down.

Smalberger said the Dept condemns what took place at the Johannesburg Prison with the strongest contempt.

"The intention was never to have strippers or dancers in the facility. We want to apologise to the citizens of South Africa for this incident," Mr Smallberger said.

They were there as part of an event on 21 June celebration of South Africa's Youth Day.

BBC