Fire causes ‘extensive damage’ to max security prison at Louis Trichardt
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and inmates are being moved to a safe zone inside the facility.
LIMPOPO – Emergency services personnel are on the scene where a fire started at the Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre outside Louis Trichardt earlier today.
A fire broke out at the Kutama-Sinthumele Correctional Services outside Louis Trichardt today.
🎥 – supplied pic.twitter.com/tp3SyXoDC0— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) August 7, 2023
Video footage of the blaze emerged on social media showing smoke billowing out of a building while guards stand by.
The Department of Correctional Services said in a statement that the fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen, the maintenance section and two blocks at the facility.
“The two centres house a total of 1 892 inmates, as 1 132 reside at the yellow centre, which is not affected by the fire at this stage. Inmates are being moved to a safe zone inside the facility,” their statement reads.
Emergency services and police are currently on the scene as inmates are being evacuated to safety.
🎥 – Supplied pic.twitter.com/6B9ZFB2IkX
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) August 7, 2023
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage but the department says it will form part of an ongoing investigation.
