Inmates hospitalised after fire broke out

Five inmates at the East London Maximum Security Prison were taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation on Tuesday evening following a day of turmoil at the facility.

More than 90 mattresses and 90 blankets were set alight by prisoners after a peaceful hunger strike over alleged violation of human rights escalated. Eastern Cape correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the fires first broke out at 2pm and again at 9pm in the evening.

Speaking to the Dispatch on Wednesday, Nxumalo said: “We can confirm that the situation is under control. The emergency support team department of correctional services is on the ground in order to ensure that the centre is safe and secure.”

He said the department would take action against the perpetrators.

“The instigators have been identified and the department will employ standard procedures in terms of taking action against those who started the mayhem.”

Nxumalo said no fatalities or injuries were reported and mop up operations were under way.

Eastern Cape Correctional Services acting commissioner Noziphiwo Dumbela said a few “disobedient” inmates had set their blankets alight inside the cells and thrown them into the corridors of the facility.

Dumbela said a report on the extent of the damage to the West Bank Prison would be made after an assessment on Wednesday.

Inmates complained in a November 7 petition that prison conditions were not conducive to their rehabilitation.

Nxumalo said the management of the East London Correctional facility had a meeting with inmates where there was a “frank” discussion on the issues submitted for consideration.

Nxumalo said his department would investigate allegations raised by inmates.