An Eastern Cape prison has been placed on lockdown after a stabbing spree which left three inmates dead.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has suspended “with immediate effect until further notice” visits to prisoners at St Albans Correctional Centre in Port Elizabeth.
Spokesperson Logan Maistry said that the Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla, and DCS National Commissioner Zach Modise were to have visited the prison yesterday.
Prisoners were reported to have turned on officials in the dining area of the prison while inmates were having breakfast on Monday.
It is believed inmates stabbed officials with sharp objects.
Emergency services, a medical helicopter and the police’s K9 unit were called out to assist.
The DCS confirmed 25 prisoners and five prison officials sustained injuries during the ensuing mayhem.
“Correctional Services, emergency services and other law enforcement agencies responded to the incident and managed to restore order. Investigations are continuing, and further updates will be provided,” Maistry said.
Eastern Cape Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said that injuries of the deceased were mainly as a result of “blunt wounds” to the head.
The prison has a history of inmates attacking their guards and has the reputation of being the most violent correctional facility in the Eastern Cape.