Inmate Dies After Alleged Attack On Warden At Drakenstein Correctional Facility

An inmate has died under “unnatural circumstances” after a violent confrontation at Drakenstein Correctional Facility on Saturday.

According to a report by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), the prisoner allegedly used a blade to slash a correctional officer in the face. Officials reportedly responded by applying what was described as “minimum force” to bring the situation under control.

The inmate sustained injuries during the altercation and was taken to the prison clinic for medical attention.

Further Aggression Reported During Inmate Medical Assessment

While receiving treatment, the situation allegedly escalated further. The report indicates that the inmate attempted to attack additional officials during the medical assessment.

Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that authorities are aware of the incident and have initiated an internal probe.

Nxumalo said: “At this stage, the incident is being subjected to the Department’s internal preliminary investigation processes. In the interest of ensuring accuracy and integrity of the investigation, it would be premature to provide detailed commentary.

“A comprehensive report and further details will be made available once the preliminary investigation has been concluded and the Department has been fully apprised of the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Questions Raised Over Prison Security and Contraband

The incident has sparked concern over security measures within the facility, particularly regarding how the inmate allegedly obtained a blade.

DA MP Nicholas Gotsell questioned the circumstances surrounding the death and the department’s initial response.

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Gotsell stated: “A person has died in state custody, and if the Department has provided a watered-down response to an important query, this too requires investigation and consequences.

“The Department must ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death, including the cause of death and how contraband entered the facility, are properly clarified once the investigation is complete.”

He added that JICS will conduct its own investigation to determine exactly what transpired.