Chaos erupted when prisoners trashed the Baviaanspoort Maximum Prison in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, today. They were protesting against overcrowding and to voice their concerns over fears of contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus
The correctional department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the department had taken note of mobilisation efforts by Bhudu and other individuals to instigate inmates to revolt.
“This is totally irresponsible and reckless, and there is no need for such. [The department] is currently engaging with relevant law enforcement agencies to take necessary action. “Following this incitement, inmates at Baviaanspoort Medium Correctional Centre , in Gauteng, became disruptive, with one inmate lying on his back and refusing to move into his cell. Correctional officials had to use minimum force in order to bring about amity and order was restored. Reports of an inmate being shot at are only a fabrication as our officials do not utilise firearms inside the centres.
Nxumalo emphasised that the department would continue embarking on “random search and seizure operations across the country to confiscate contraband from inmates and to ensure that rogue officials who aid the smuggling of contraband in our facilities are exposed and ultimately prosecuted.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Prisoners threaten hunger strike if Covid-19 fears are not addressedPrisoners across the country have threatened to embark on a massive hunger strike as of Monday in a bid for an early release from prison and also to try to avoid contacting the Covid-19 coronavirus in overcrowded jails.
Read more »
COVID-19: Dirco continues to help stranded South AfricansThe International Relations and Cooperation Department says the process of repatriation is tougher due to widespread travel restrictions.
Read more »
Thief grabs woman’s cellphone as she waits for Covid-19 testA woman waiting to be tested for Covid-19 coronavirus was left traumatised after a robber grabbed her cellphone at the Bedford Gardens Hospital in Johannesburg on Thursday night.
Read more »
Concerns raised over dept's 'draft post Covid-19 lockdown recovery plan'Changing seating plans so that pupils’ chairs are at least 1.5m apart and a ban on the sharing of desks are among the measures the department of basic education is proposing when schools reopen.
Read more »
Prosecutors ordered to quarantine after contact with positive Covid-19 prison warderSeven prosecutors have been ordered to go into quarantine after coming into contact with a prison warder who tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus in the Eastern Cape.
Read more »
Covid-19 lockdown: millions hungry as work dries upAs the government grapples with finalising a plan to feed a growing number of desperately hungry people amid the Covid-19 national lockdown, shelters say they are seeing starving people who have not eaten for up to a week.
Read more »