Local News
Groenpunt fire 'part of an eleborate escape plan'─── 11:18 Sun, 13 Jan 2013
Deneysville - A fire at Groenpunt Prison in Deneysville in the Free State was part of an elaborate escape plan.
Correctional services minister Sbu Ndebele told a Sunday newspaper that maximum security inmates set the fire after an initial escape attempt.
Six jail cells and three administration offices were gutted and all the inmates' files were destroyed.
Ndebele said the timing of the riot was planned as inmates mistakenly assume that warders are less vigilant over the Christmas period.
He said his personal experience of being a prisoner meant that he understood "both sides very well".
According to the report, some staff members could be suspended for failing to avert the riot during which four prison warders and 50 inmates were injured.
Prisoners complained about the quality of food and about some prison officials. They also wanted a unit head to be fired.
Sapa
Correctional services minister Sbu Ndebele told a Sunday newspaper that maximum security inmates set the fire after an initial escape attempt.
Six jail cells and three administration offices were gutted and all the inmates' files were destroyed.
Ndebele said the timing of the riot was planned as inmates mistakenly assume that warders are less vigilant over the Christmas period.
He said his personal experience of being a prisoner meant that he understood "both sides very well".
According to the report, some staff members could be suspended for failing to avert the riot during which four prison warders and 50 inmates were injured.
Prisoners complained about the quality of food and about some prison officials. They also wanted a unit head to be fired.
Sapa
