Inmates are seen inside the courtyard of the C Maximum Leeukop Prison 14 March 2013. Learners from six schools in Diepsloot visit the Leeuwkop Prison. The program has been developed for learners to learn about life in prison and the consequences of crime. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
Prison inmate stabs correctional officer at the Johannesburg High Court
Nxumalo applauded the court’s security forces and the public for their role in apprehending the inmate.
Inmates are seen inside the courtyard of the C Maximum Leeukop Prison 14 March 2013. Learners from six schools in Diepsloot visit the Leeuwkop Prison. The program has been developed for learners to learn about life in prison and the consequences of crime. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
On Tuesday, Singabakho Nxumalo, the spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), confirmed that one of their correctional officers was recovering from the stab wounds inflicted by an inmate at the Johannesburg High Court.
The inmate was set to appear at the High Court for disobeying his parole conditions. Nxumalo made it clear that the inmate would be dealt with in a harsh fashion.
“The DCS is appalled by the incident where a correctional services official was stabbed by an inmate at the Johannesburg High Court on Monday. According to the preliminary investigation, the inmate used a sharp object stabbing the official twice before attempting to escape.” Nxumalo stated.
The spokesperson also stated that
“the offender is serving 2,827 days for not obeying parole conditions. He is also facing two further charges for murder and robbery. This is a disturbing incident and the department of correctional services will under no circumstances allow such brutality from inmates hell-bent to undermine the state.”
Nxumalo praises Johannesburg High Court security and the public
On behalf of the DCS, Nxumalo applauded the swift response of the court’s security force and the public for being instrumental in apprehending the inmate before he could make his escape.
Nxumalo promised that the matter would be handled efficiently and that firm disciplinary measures will be taken in holding the inmate into account for his actions.
The officer who suffered minor stab wounds was quickly admitted to hospital and has since been released to recover in the comfort of their home.
An official case has been launched by the SAPS against the inmate and according to Nxumalo, the matter will be dealt with separately from the murder and robbery charges the inmate’s facing.
Nxumalo added that
“the inmate is back in our custody and will face the full might of the law.”
