Serial rapist on hunger strike

2008-07-24 19:15

Johannesburg - A serial rapist serving 55 life sentences was taken to hospital after being on a hunger strike for more than 20 days, the Correctional Services Department said on Thursday.

It said Mongezi Jinxela went on the hunger strike to be moved from the Kokstad Maximum Correctional Centre in Kwazulu Natal to Gauteng.

The department said it had taken all steps required in dealing with a prisoner on hunger strike.

The matter was reported to the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons and daily medical assessments of Jinxela's health were being conducted.

Jinxela had now been sent to an undisclosed hospital.

The department said Jinxela was considered a danger to society.

"We believe Jinxela's demand to be transferred from Kokstad High Security Correctional Centre has no valid base and therefore cannot place public safety at risk," the department said.

"The department will continue to avail appropriate meals and to persuade the offender to resume eating to avoid further deterioration of his health condition."

- SAPA