News24.com | Makhado prison catches fire, inmates relocated to safe zones

Inmates at the Kutama Sinthumule prison in Limpopo were moved to safe zones after parts of the facility went up in flames on Monday.

Inmates at the Kutama Sinthumule prison in Limpopo were moved to safe zones after parts of the facility went up in flames on Monday.

Thulani Mbele/Gallo Images

Inmates at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional facility in Makhado, Limpopo, were moved to safe zones after parts of the facility went up in flames on Monday. 

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said the fire destroyed the kitchen and the maintenance section’s green and blue centres. 

Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said emergency services rushed to extinguish the fire at the facility and to ensure the safety of the 1 892 inmates.

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He said 1 132 inmates reside at the yellow centre, which was not affected by the fire.

“The actual cause of the fire is yet to be established. Critical at the moment is to protect lives and ensure that the fire is extinguished completely. Security has also been reinforced in order to ensure that the situation is controlled,” Nxumalo said. 


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News24 South Africa