Ronewa Makhesha
A fire started by rioting prisoners at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Facility in Makhado, Limpopo on Monday, has claimed the life of an inmate who was serving a sentence for murder and malicious damage to property.
Correctional Services Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said all three centres at the facility were gutted and 18 inmates are receiving medical attention for smoke inhalation
Nxumalo said this happened after the inmates who wanted to be transferred to facilities in their provinces of choice, among other complaints, started the blaze.The fire destroyed the kitchen and the maintenance section’s green and blue centres.
Emergency services officials rushed to extinguish the fire and to ensure the safety of the 1 892 inmates housed there. He added that all inmates were accounted for, Nxumalo said.
Although the situation is under control, the facility is not in a state to accommodate inmates, and as such, has necessitated a process to transfer offenders to other correctional centres.
“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 is to be launched urgently.” Nxumalo added that emergency services officials were still on the site, ready to douse any outburst
“The Department of Correctional Services will continue to offer assistance to Kutama Sinthumule Facility until the site is cleared and properly cordoned off. Such will allow for a proper assessment of the damage caused and costs to be sustained for the reconstruction of affected structures,” he said.
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