Tebogo Msimanga |
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it has launched an investigation following the death of two inmates at Tswelopelo Correctional Centre in Kimberly. It has been confirmed that three inmates were involved when an official was attacked, through the usage of padlocks.
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said other officials responded and in an attempt to defuse the situation, a scuffle with inmates ensued. “Three inmates suffered injuries and were referred to an outside hospital at different intervals, and sadly, two of them passed away.”
Nxumalo added that the other inmate remains in the hospital for extended medical care. “The seriousness of the incident warrants a full-scale investigation. The South African Police Service and Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) have also been informed.”
He said additional officials have been deployed in order to bring about normalcy to the Centre.
