Two inmates died, while another inmate and a prison warder were injured, following an altercation at Tswelopele Correctional Centre in Kimberley.
TWO INMATES died, while another inmate and a prison warder were injured, following an altercation at Tswelopele Correctional Centre in Kimberley on Saturday.
It is believed that the inmates used padlocks, which they make use of when they store their personal belongings, to attack the prison warder.
The prison warder managed to run out of the unit and other officials then allegedly assaulted the prisoners.
It was reported that the two deceased inmates are from KwaZulu-Natal.
It is now feared that revenge attacks may unfold at the prison.
The spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Singabhako Nxumalo, said on Sunday that they have launched an investigation following the death of two inmates at Tswelopele Correctional Centre.
“It has been confirmed that three inmates were involved when an official was attacked, through the usage of padlocks,” said Nxumalo. “Other officials responded and, in attempting to defuse the situation, a scuffle with inmates ensued.”
He added that three inmates suffered injuries and were referred to an outside hospital.
“Sadly, two of them passed away. The other inmate remains in hospital for extended medical care.
“The seriousness of the incident warrants a full-scale investigation. The South African Police Service and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services have also been informed,” added Nxumalo.
“Additional officials have been deployed in order to bring about normality to the centre.”
