The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed
an incident where five offenders attacked officials and four other inmates
during an exercise session around midday on Tuesday, January 11 at the Mthatha
Correctional Centre known as Wellington Prison.
According to DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, one inmate from the five attackers succumbed
to his injuries and passed on during the incident, while an official and another
inmate remain in hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries sustained.
“This is a disturbing incident as correctional centres had
maintained calm during the festive season. An internal investigation has been
launched, and the SAPS is also attending to the case. The Judicial Inspectorate
for Correctional Services (JICS) has also been informed and is expected to run
its own independent investigation,” Nxumalo said.
“It is the outcome of the investigation which will share
more light on the motive and circumstances that may have triggered this
incident,” he added.
DCS is monitoring the situation and the facility will remain
on high alert.
