Authorities have detained four prison wardens following the controversial death of an inmate at Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in Bloemfontein. The victim, 37-year-old Mpho Mkhumbeni, was serving a life sentence for murder when the fatal incident occurred.
“The post-mortem examination confirmed the death resulted from unnatural causes, prompting us to upgrade the case to a murder investigation,” stated police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.
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Four Wardens Face Court Proceedings For Murder Of Inmate
Four Prison wardens arrested for the murder of an inmate-Image Source@mdnnewsThe four arrested wardens, aged between 34 and 50, were taken into custody on April 22 after intensive investigations by Bloemfontein police. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court to answer for their alleged roles in the inmate’s death.
Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale revealed inconsistencies in the official reports.
“Discrepancies between statements from the private contractor and their employees necessitated a comprehensive investigation,” Thobakgale explained.
The probe uncovered that security personnel conducted unauthorised cell searches on March 11 without notifying the Department of Correctional Services’ interim manager.
Allegations of Brutal Interrogation
Investigators discovered that a Dedicated Search Team (DST) allegedly subjected Mkhumbeni and three other inmates to violent interrogation techniques after prison officials reported missing money.
“While initially denied by both DST members and the contractor, evidence suggests the inmates endured physical abuse during these questioning sessions,” Commissioner Thobakgale added.
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Justice Pursued for Suspicious Death
The case has drawn significant attention to prison conditions and staff conduct at the privately-managed facility. As legal proceedings commence, authorities vow to ensure full accountability for what appears to be a grave miscarriage of justice within South Africa’s correctional system.