A fire broke out at the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility, at the B Unit , on Friday morning, 26 June, where 12 cells were affected.
Busisiwe Shibambo, Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, says the J.B. Marks Local Municipality emergency services responded quickly. “They managed to extinguish the fire promptly before it could spread to other parts of the centre. No officials or offenders were injured or affected,” she said.
The police and ambulances were dispatched to the premises as there was unrest.
Police vehicles at the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility.
According to Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the Police spokesperson, they are investigating a case of arson. “The investigation emanates from an incident in which inmates at Potchefstroom Correctional Centre allegedly set building blocks alight which house them,”
The building is partially burnt, but blankets and mattresses were damaged.
“We have not received reports of injuries except a police official who inhaled smoke,”
The cause of the fire is unknown but the investigation is underway.
Shibambo also confirms that they do have a confirmed case of Covid-19, where an official of the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility tested positive. ” The necessary precautions have been taken, the official is in isolation and the centre was also decontaminated,” she said.
