INLSA
Sheryl Cwele, moments before handing herself in to begin her 20-year sentence for drug dealing.
Convicted drug dealer Sheryl Cwele awoke this morning to a new routine – one she will follow until she qualifies for parole, probably after serving at least half of her 20-year prison sentence.
Cwele, 50, joined other inmates in Westville Prison’s female section yesterday to start her sentence for drug dealing.
A senior prison official, who asked to remain anonymous, said her day would begin at 5am and end at 3pm, when she would be locked up in her cell.
Journalists and photographers camped outside the prison’s main entrance yesterday until she was brought to the prison locked in the back of a police van at 10am.
She was accompanied by her lawyer, Madoda Nxumalo, and her two brothers, who refused to give their names.
Nxumalo, who complained about being harassed by journalists, could only say he was still considering other options to get Cwele freed.
“My client is a very private person so I do not have a mandate to speak to the press,” he said.
The brothers waited at the visitors’ parking area, while Madoda entered the prison premises to monitor her admission.
Another official told reporters that the former |Hibiscus Coast municipality’s director of health services and ex-wife of State Security Minister, Siyabonga Cwele, would be treated like any other offender.
“She will be locked up like rapists, murderers and other common criminals. There will be no special treatment for her,” said the official.
The official said that on arrival Cwele was officially booked in, which included having her fingerprints taken.
After a body search, Cwele changed into prison uniform – a blue denim skirt and white shirt.
“She started at the prison hospital for a medical check-up, which includes checking that she does not have injuries or illnesses. I’m not sure how long she is going to be at the hospital,” said the official.
Once in the cells, Cwele will start the day with a shower with the other inmates before cleaning her cell. The prisoners then leave their cells to line up on the balcony to be counted before eating a breakfast of brown bread with jam and porridge and a cup of tea.
“For supper, beef or chicken curry is part of her menu, but this would depend on her diet,” said the official.
Another official said that since Cwele was serving 20 years, she would be locked in a single cell, where she would be able to study.
“She will be allowed a visitor every weekend since she has already been sentenced.
“She also has a right to exercise for an hour,” the source said.
Cwele was initially sentenced to 12 years by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
However, after her failed appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 20 years.
