The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that a big scale evacuation is underway at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Louis Trichardt to transfer inmates to other correctional facilities.

One inmate died and 18 were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out yesterday afternoon due to a riot inside the facility. The DCS earlier said the blaze caused extensive damage to the kitchen, maintenance section and two blocks at the facility.

“Although the situation is under control, the facility is not in a state to accommodate inmates and such has necessitated a process to transfer offenders to other correctional centres,” DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told the Polokwane Review.

Nxumalo says the centre houses 3 024 inmates and that arrangements were made for added security with law enforcement officials to carry out the mass transfer.

“The evacuation process started last night, and we are not nearly done yet. We are still transferring inmates out of the facility,” he told the SABC.

Watch videos of the riot here:  Videos: Max security prison in Limpopo catches fire

Nxumalo says all inmates are accounted for and no escapes took place.

“This is a disturbing incident as no number of complaints warrants the unlawful vandalisation of state property. The instigators have been identified and an investigation is to be launched urgently,” he says.

Nxumalo adds that inappropriate behaviour in correctional centres will not be tolerated and that although it is understood that offenders have the right to raise concerns, they cannot destroy a facility without any consequences.

Emergency services are still on-site to douse possible resurgence of flames and the DCS will continue to help until the site is cleared.

Nxumalo says a proper assessment of the damage will be done and the costs to reconstruct the structures affected by the fire will be done.