Glencoe prison catches fire

Sergeant R. Singh from the Glencoe police said officers have been deployed to the prison to make sure no prisoners escape.

“The fire department is also at scene, trying to extinguish the fire. At this stage, it remains unclear as to what caused the fire. No injuries have been reported yet,” added Singh.

It’s unclear if there are any reports of escaped prisoners. Meanwhile, pictures showing the prison in flames circulated on Twitter:

REZA @crimeairnetwork: GLENCOE PRISON GOES UP IN FLAMES : UMZINYATHI DISTRICT. KZN

Faizel Patel @Faizie143: @ewnupdates Glencoe Prison on fire @alexeliseev

Sherlissa Peters: @DailyNewsSA Breaking: Glencoe Prison on fire. Prison officials on scene assisting firefighters to douse fire and contain prisoners.

ECR_Newswatch @ECR_Newswatch: JUST IN: Correctional Services have confirmed a fire has broken out at a prison in Glencoe. More in Newswatch at 3pm.

Simphiwe Malinga @iMalinger: Glencoe Prison on fire? Are inmates still inside or what…

Outside Malalapipe @De_Imperial: Who set the Glencoe Prison on fire?

More to follow.

In a separate incident, one prisoner died and another was hospitalised following a fire at the Barberton juvenile prison in October last year.

Nineteen inmates were in a cell when a fire started, Limpopo correctional services spokesperson Sarie Peens was quoted as saying.

“At the moment I can only confirm that there was an incident last night at the correctional centre, at the youth centre, in town. Apparently 19 offenders were in a cell and they set the cell alight.

“One offender was injured and was taken to hospital and another offender unfortunately passed away,” added Peens.

The cause of the fire was unknown.

– Caxton News Service