Prisoner assaulted by warders at Groenpunt dies

A Groenpunt inmate who was assaulted by warders at the prison has died, Correctional Services said.

Free State deputy regional commissioner Grace Molatedi said: “I can confirm that the inmate died, but I can’t confirm that he died as a result of the attack,” she said today.

“The police have been instructed to conduct a postmortem because the cause of death is not known. He died immediately after the attack.”

On January 16 (Wednesday), four prisoners attacked and stabbed a prison official, Molatedi said. The attack took place during a visit by members of the media and the parliamentary portfolio committee.

Emergency personnel, police officers and prison officials intervened.

“The life of the prison official was at stake. It is policy for other officials to intervene and use any means necessary to restrain the inmates in a situation like that.”

Three of the prisoners were involved in the attack and the fourth man provided the weapons used in the attack.

“Two of the other offenders are in Hospital One in a critical condition and the other is in a stable condition and awaiting an operation. The fourth offender was discharged.”

Molatedi said the officer who was attacked had serious injuries to his head and face but had been discharged as well.

Investigations continue.

- Sapa

- Sapa