Four individuals are currently receiving treatment for smoke inhalation after a fire erupted at the staff living quarters of Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.
According to Charles Mabaso, the spokesperson for Tshwane Emergency Services, two units were completely destroyed by the fire, while the remaining four units suffered roof and extensive smoke damage. Mabaso further noted that the absence of firewalls between the units likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined. However, efforts are underway to provide alternative accommodation for the affected tenants. In the midst of the unfortunate event, there was a glimmer of hope as a firefighter discovered a lifeless cat during search operations within one of the smoke-filled units.
Promptly administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the firefighter successfully revived the cat, and paramedics administered oxygen therapy to aid its recovery.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the affected individuals and providing them with the necessary support during this challenging time.
This is the same prison where convicted serial rapist and killer Thabo Bester is being held. Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in South Africa after faking his death in a fire in his prison cell in May 2022.
He was on the run for almost a year before being caught in Arusha, Tanzania on 8 April 2023. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon and resulted in significant damage to several units, leaving twenty-six tenants without most of their belongings.
