Africa-Press – South-Africa. A fire that rioting prisoners started 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.
He said inmates who wanted to be transferred to facilities in their provinces of choice, among other complaints, started the blaze.
Eighteen inmates are receiving medical attention for smoke inhalation.
News24 previously reported that the Department of Correctional Services said the fire destroyed the kitchen and the maintenance section’s green and blue centres.
Nxumalo said 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:
“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 flare-ups.
“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 incurred for the reconstruction of affected structures,” he said.
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