The films that showed three inmates attacking a representative were called "false news" by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
Singabakho Nxumalo, a DSC spokeswoman, condemned the impersonation of a Correctional Services officer in a statement issued on Sunday, claiming the video was "all an act and nothing closer to fact."
These videos violate Section 124 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 11 of 1998, which states that any unauthorised person who uses the departmental uniform, distinctive badge, or insignia of the department or of a custody official, or anything misleadingly resembling them, is guilty of an offense and subject to punishment upon conviction, which may include a fine or, in the event of default, a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months or such imprisonment without the option of a fine.
"Section 125 continues to mention that any person impersonating a correctional or custody official is guilty of an offense and subject to punishment upon conviction, which may include a fine, imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years, or such imprisonment without the option of a fine, or both."
Nxumalo declared that the agency would file a lawsuit against individuals responsible for creating the video.
The decision to begin legal proceedings in order to deal with individuals responsible was made because "the Department of Correctional Services never given any authority for the production of these tapes."
He continued by saying that the individual responsible for the films should have used legitimate avenues for their artistic endeavors.
The Department of Correctional Services has procedures in place for creative artists who wish to use our property or uniform. These requests are handled internally, and the National Commissioner is the only person who can approve them. The work must be beneficial to the administration of justice and the inmates' rehabilitation.
"The videos that are currently going viral constitute an attack on Correctional Services and threaten state power. We take this extremely seriously because it could have negative effects on our officials and convicts.
The department is working with the SAPS (South African Police Service) to allow the law to play out according to its natural course. The person responsible for the videos has been identified.
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