LIMPOPO – 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 on Monday afternoon due to a riot inside the facility.

Read more: Fire causes ‘extensive damage’ to max security prison at Louis Trichardt

“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 Observer.

Nxumalo said the centre houses 3 024 inmates and that arrangements had to be 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 as yet. We are still transferring inmates out of the facility as the centre is now not in a state to house them,” he told the SABC.

Nxumalo told the Observer that all inmates are accounted for and no escapes took place.

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

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

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

“Such will allow for a proper assessment of the damage caused and costs to be incurred for the reconstruction of affected structures,” he said.