Staff Reporter.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ronald Lamola says all the 3 000 inmates at the privately run Kutama-Sinthumule correctional centre in Makhado will be transferred.
At least one person has died following a fire at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre on Monday.
Some 18 others have been hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.
Lamola said on Tuesday that the preliminary investigation indicates that the fire was caused by inmates who had grievances with the prison’s management.
The facility has been run by South African Custodial Management in a public-private partnership since 2002.
“The damage caused by the fire is extensive, destroying a significant portion of the facility. The inmates started the fire due to their grievances with the management and unhappiness with the disciplinary action taken against the inmate who was moved to a special care unit. An outbreak of unrest and destruction prompted the management to declare an emergency.
“The facility is housing 3 024 inmates, and the intention is to transfer all of them to other correctional centres across the country.
“At this stage, we don’t know the cost of the damage. We regret that there was a fatality during the incident, and the circumstances are not clear and are being investigated. We can confirm that there are inmates who were injured and are in hospital,” Lamola said.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said, an investigation is underway into the incident.
“This is a disturbing incident as no amount of complaints warrants an unlawful vandalisation of State property. The instigators have been identified and the investigation has been launched.”
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.