Umzinto prisoner dies while attempting to escape during blaze
A prisoner has died during an alleged attempted escape from the Umzinto Correctional Centre on the south coast on Monday afternoon.
Earlier, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed that a fire was started in one of the cells of the prison.
Images of a number of what's believed to be prisoners on top of the facility have been doing the rounds on social media.
READ: WATCH: Blaze erupts at Umzinto prison
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says one inmate, from a group that had climbed to the roof in an attempt to escape, succumbed to his injuries after falling to the ground and died.
"DCS officials and SAPS officials remain on-site in order to quell any potential flare-ups and the situation is under control.
"We condemn in strongest possible terms any attempts by inmates to undermine security at the centre we will not hesitate to take strong action against those behind such acts."
