Another death at St Albans

Latest case not linked to issues plaguing prison, says Correctional Services boss

ANOTHER inmate at St Albans Prison has died, bringing the death toll at the prison to four in just eight days. While authorities confirmed the latest death, Correctional Services insisted it was not linked to any ongoing issues at the prison.

The latest death comes in the wake of an unofficial hunger strike launched by inmates at St Albans on Tuesday last week.

Late yesterday, police said they had not been informed of the latest death, saying if it was a death from natural causes the prison would deal with it internally.

According to Correctional Services officials, the 27-year-old man had previous medical conditions and his death was considered natural and therefore no case was opened by authorities.

The inmate, who was reported to be coughing up blood, was taken to the prison hospital at 8pm, where he died later.

The inmate’s identity is being withheld until his next-of-kin have been alerted.

Eastern Cape Correctional Services commissioner Nkosinathi Breakfast said the prison remained on lockdown following a fight between warders and prisoners on Monday last week and an incident where prisoners barricaded themselves in their cells at the weekend.

The weekend’s incident prompted Breakfast to warn that lawlessness would not be tolerated.

He said the latest death had nothing to do with ongoing issues plaguing the prison.

“This inmate had previous medical conditions and his death was not related to any of these incidents,” Breakfast said.

Security at the prison remains on high alert to quell further possible clashes.

On Saturday afternoon, about 50 inmates barricaded themselves in 18 cells, preventing access by officials.

The police were called in to assist and forced their way into the cells.

The barricade was linked to an unofficial hunger strike.

“This is disturbing. Just after I addressed them on Thursday, the whole day they embarked on such serious action that seeks to undermine the authority and order,” Breakfast said.

“It warrants disciplinary action against all offenders that were involved.”

He said security at that wing had been beefed up and the incident was resolved without violence.

The weekend incident stems from a clash last week when prisoners in the maximum security wing ran amok, resulting in three inmates being killed and 30 people being injured, including 13 warders.

Breakfast said they were in the process of normalising the centre, which included assessing complaints lodged by inmates.

“We are addressing complaints raised by inmates, but in reality some of their demands equate to security risks,” he said.

Asked if any issues were resolved, Breakfast said that nothing had been resolved yet but the inmates were now eating, except for two.

“The centre is still on lockdown, but we have relaxed some of the social reintegration and family bonding aspects such as allowing family visits under strict conditions,” he said.

“All other security protocols remain high and in implementation to restrict prisoner movement while the lockdown is under way.”

Breakfast said the hunger strike was not official as the correct processes had not been followed.

Authorities have launched probes into how last week’s incident occurred and what the motive was.

It remains unclear if the standoff was linked to an attempted prison break or part of complaints prisoners had, including wanting more recreational time and better food.

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the police investigation into the violent outbreak was still under way.

“Our team of detectives is still working with Correctional Services officials and interviewing inmates to gather details and statements of what exactly is happening,” she said.

All security protocols remain high to restrict prisoner movement