WATCH: Blaze erupts at Umzinto prison
The Correctional Services Department has confirmed that a fire was started in one of the prisoners’ cells at the Umzinto Correctional Centre on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
Earlier images emerged of smoke billowing from the facility.
People believed to be prisoners can be seen on the roof the facility as smoke continued to come out of the facility.
It's been confirmed by sources at the scene that prisoners began to protest but the department is yet to confirm what exactly transpired.
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Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says the situation has returned to normal.
"The fire started in the A section, which houses remand detainees. We are yet to establish the cause and also what may have motivated those that started this particular fire.
"Investigations have already started. What is important is that everything now is back to normal but it does concern us in terms of how was it possible that they could ignite a cell in that section.
"But as a department, we were in control of the situation and there were no escapes."
🔴Umzinto Prison On Fire🔴
— The Insight Factor (@insightfactor) July 12, 2021
Umzinto Prison in KZN is on fire, prisoners are seen on top of the roof #SAShutdown #ShutdownKZN pic.twitter.com/oGDLJQVM3u
🔴Umzinto Prison On Fire🔴
— The Insight Factor (@insightfactor) July 12, 2021
Umzinto Prison in KZN is on fire, prisoners are seen on top of the roof #SAShutdown #ShutdownKZN pic.twitter.com/oGDLJQVM3u
