Mthatha police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder after an inmate, aged 25, died in the cells at Mthatha Correctional Centre, last week.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said it is alleged that five prisoners and five prison officials quarrelled, which led to a fight.
He said the offenders allegedly drew knives and stabbed the officials, who allegedly fought back with the assistance of four other prisoners to stop the fight.
“Five officials were injured and were hospitalised. Nine prisoners were injured, one of whom died during the fight.
“The injured ones were also hospitalised,” said Kinana.
He said according to the information received, the siren rang, alerting other members about the fighting in the cells. Kinana confirmed that SAPS members attended to the scene. No arrests have been made at this stage.
The spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed an incident where five prisoners attacked officials and four other inmates during an exercise session around midday on January 11, 2022, at the Mthatha Correctional Services.
“Unfortunately, one inmate from the five attackers succumbed to his injuries and passed away during the fracas. One official and another inmate remain in hospital; due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
“This is a disturbing incident as correctional centres had maintained calm during the festive season,” said Nxumalo. He added that the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services had also been informed and was expected to run its own independent investigation.
Nxumalo said the outcomes of the investigation would shed more light on the motive and circumstances that may have triggered this incident.
He confirmed that DCS was monitoring the situation and the facility would remain on high alert.
