INMATES at the St Albans Correctional Centre in Gqeberha have attacked and stabbed three wardens.
The incident took place in Medium B as officials were counting inmates before breakfast on Wednesday, 7 December.
Correctional Services spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that two inmates stabbed three officials at the centre, in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“The inmates involved have been identified, an internal investigation has been established and legal steps will be taken against them. Injured officials were treated, one has been discharged and the remaining two are still under medical observation,” he said.
Nxumalo added that no form of assault, stabbing or any other incident would be tolerated against officials or inmates.
“This is hence we are taking strong action against such because we don’t want any loss of life. Behaviours of this nature are condemned and cannot go unpunished, and our centres will not tolerate them. We made it clear we would be taking strong action to send a message that when you act against officials, you are acting against the state,” said Nxumalo.
The incident occurred just weeks after Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale led a search operation at the notorious prison, to keep it clean of unlawful objects. The raid served as part of its normal security operations.
Several contraband items were discovered in cells, including wires, cellphones and self-made dangerous weapons.
