THE Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado, Limpopo is embarking on a transformative journey following a devastating fire on 7 August, which was sparked by a riot among inmates.
On Monday, 18 December, Makgothi Thobakgale, national commissioner at the Department of Correctional Services, observed the ongoing efforts to rebuild the institution.
Following the tragic fire, the prison underwent extensive refurbishment, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul to restore its functionality.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Thobakgale explained that the inspection was to assess the quality of workmanship and the facility's readiness to resume its vital role in admitting inmates.
"We are here to inspect the repairs of the damage, but the work has not yet been done. The programme that the contractor gave us indicated that by mid-November 2024, they would have completed repairs of the yellow and blue facilities," he said.
Asked about the anticipated completion date, Thobakgale emphasised the importance of adherence to industry standards.
"So we cannot, as the Department of Correctional Services, specify an exact opening date. We are proceeding in accordance with the contractor’s plan," he said.
The fire affected the kitchen, maintenance section and two blocks - the blue and green centers.
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Tragically, three prisoners lost their lives, and 18 others were injured.
The fire, believed to have been triggered by inmates demanding transfers and alleging mistreatment by wardens, led to the transfer of 1 892 inmates to prisons across South Africa.
Thobakgale emphasised the significance of the public-private partnership in the restoration process with the contractor shouldering repair costs until the contract concludes in 2026.
"The contractor pays for the repairs and when the contract ends, government takes over," he said.
