Goedemoed prison inmate takes staff hostage, rapes officer, kills another

News channel eNCA has reported that a hostage drama at Goedemoed Prison in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, on Friday resulted in the alleged killing of one female prison officer, with a second female officer allegedly raped.

One or more inmates allegedly took the officers hostage, according to police and prisons union Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo, who bemoaned the unsafe working conditions warders are subjected to in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities.

The drama had been resolved for now, he said. “Our Popcru provincial secretary is visiting the institution and further details will follow.”

The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) confirmed that a hostage situation turned tragic when a DCS official was fatally wounded earlier today.

They were alerted to the hostage situation at the Goedemoed Medium A Correctional Centre.

SAPS negotiators managed to secure the release of the other female official and inmates were in custody.

“The Inspecting Judge, Justice Johann van der Westhuizen, wishes to convey his heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of the official who died,” said JICS spokesperson Emerantia Cupido.

Cupido said Van der Westhuizen recognised “DCS officials work under dangerous and stressful situations”.

He asked them to “continue to be vigilant whilst performing their duties.”

The JICS Regional Office would be monitoring the situation at the Goedemoed Correctional Centre.

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