Jail shooting sparks fears
How warder acquired gun still a mystery
AN INCIDENT in which an Eastern Cape warder shot and killed himself inside a maximum prison facility, where he was not permitted to carry a firearm is still shrouded in mystery
Lusikisiki-born Sivuyile Mdwadube, who was employed at East London prison, was found dead last Saturday night, in a bathroom of a temporary shelter at the prison’s access control main gates.
Sources at the prison said he was initially posted at Medium B prison, where awaiting-trial prisoners were locked up.
Officials are not permitted to carry firearms inside Medium B or any prison cell.
Information received by the Saturday Dispatch is that, he asked to be moved to access control, where members are allowed to carry firearms.
It is alleged Mdwadube on arrival at the gate, instructed a colleague to get lunch.
It is claimed that when the colleague had left, Mdwadube proceeded to the bathroom, put the gun to his head and shot himself.
The shooting was confirmed by police and prison officials.
It is not clear if the firearm belonged to him or the department, because when he signed in for work at Medium B, either he had no firearm or it was not detected by prison security systems.
East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said an inquest had been opened.
“It’s early stages in the investigation as the victim was alone at the time, in a place where there was suppose to be two or more members on duty,” Mqala said.
Each firearm assigned to any official at access control is suppose to be registered and handed over.
“Since the deceased official was initially posted inside the prison, it must be checked if at the time he moved to access control,” a source from the prison said.
“Did he sign the firearm under his name, was the firearm with him officially?
“If not, the firearm he used was stolen and that is a danger, not only to the deceased but to other members as the firearm could be used to commit a crime and the person who last signed it, will be charged for anything, including the murder of this member,” the source added.
Eastern Cape department of correctional services (DCS) head, Commissioner Nkosinathi Breakfast, also confirmed the death but would not give much information, saying the police were investigating.
Saturday Dispatch sources who work at the centre, said there was supposed to be more officials on duty on that fateful night.
“Had there been three other officials there as per normal, this member would have been alive today.
“What if this member was shot and killed by thugs and left the weapon there? Where are the witnesses, where’s video footage?” the source asked.
A police official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the officer was alone at the time of the shooting..
The police source, who is a junior officer, said it was unusual to have one member at access control.
Another source said: “There’s just no order in this prison, kings are treated as such, risking security,” in reference to incarcerated AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
“King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is walking free in his civilian clothes and that is posing a risk,” the source said.
“Ask the prison to send you Dalindyebo’s picture in prison garb, they won’t.”
This week the Dispatch team drove in and out of the prison without being searched at the gate by officials.
Not far from the main gate, prisoners were walking freely near the mess canteen, making it easy for anyone to bring in and pass on to them any contraband. — bonganif@dispatch.