BELFAST – The department of Correction Services still continues with its investigations on how the fire started at Belfast Correctional Centre.
Two prisoners lost their lives while six others were injured when the fire broke out in the early hours of November 14. It is alleged that the fire began in a cell accommodating eight prisoners.
“The swift response of correctional officers helped to save many lives, as the fire was extinguished before it could spread to other cells. Injured prisoners were rushed to Witbank and Belfast hospitals,” explained Manelisi Wolela, spokesperson for correctional services.
“Two inmates with higher degree burn wounds were taken to Witbank Provincial Hospital where they are still receiving high-level care, while other inmates were treated at Belfast Hospital and returned to correctional centre, with one treated for smoke inhalation,” he said.
A preliminary report indicates the incident happened after midnight (at about 00:30) in a cell that accommodated eight inmates.
The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Zach Modise has since expressed his shock at the incident, and sent a team to investigate. The SAPS also started its own investigation and the incident has been reported to the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS), which will also conduct an investigation, in terms of the law and policy.
“This is a terrible incident that we shall investigate thoroughly with the SAPS. We will uncover the cause and shall take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. We also appreciate the response of our officials who acted swiftly and managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to other cells,” says Modise.
