The Correctional Services Department says it has identified those who are behind the fire at the Boksburg prison east of Johannesburg on Thursday.
It says the inmates deliberately started the fire to stop officials from entering a cell to confiscate a cellphone from another inmate.The inmates were treated for smoke inhalation.
The department’s spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says a case of arson and malicious damage to property has been opened with the police.“We have to state that our officials managed to extinguish the fire and no inmate was injured in the process. Behaviour of this nature has to be condemned, and correctional services are very clear that those who opt to be unruly shall be dealt with as per the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998.”
Story credit: SABC News
