Cape Town – An investigation is underway after in inmate reportedly died after he jumped from a building at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Free State on Monday.
According to reports, the inmate had been serving a life sentence since 2013 for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and family violence.
After his fall, he received medical attention within the prison before being taken to an external hospital, where he ultimately passed away, SABC News reported.
The incident occurred shortly before 09:00 and was reported to the police.
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The Department of Correctional Services and other relevant bodies are involved in the investigation, News24 reported.
“The incident was reported to the SAPS, which arrived on the scene. Other structures, such as the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, will also be notified as per the appropriate procedure. An internal investigation is ongoing,” the report quoted the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo as saying.
The prison had previously gained attention due to the escape of a serial rapist and murderer named Thabo Bester, who allegedly received assistance from facility employees in a staged suicide to facilitate his escape in May of the previous year.
He is currently facing charges for this escape along with others involved in orchestrating the plan.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
