Prison riot: Inmates still torching cells
2013-01-07 21:03
Video
2013-01-08 14:25
Officials have declared a lockdown at Groenpunt prison in the Free State after prisoners burned down sections of the facility. Watch. WATCH
Johannesburg - Two warders at Groenpunt Prison in Deneysville were injured when inmates set part of the facility on fire on Monday, Free State police said.
"The warders were overpowered and beaten up by the inmates... they then set a section of the prison alight," spokesperson Constable Peter Kareli said. Some offices were also torched.
"The facility has been secured and no one is allowed to go in or leave. Inmates are still continuing to burn down cells.
"Blankets have also been set alight. There is smoke coming out of the premises."
There was no information as to whether any prisoners were injured.
"Details are still sketchy, but the information we have is that inmates refused to eat at around 16:00.
"Scuffles ensued and they attacked the warders and began to burn down the place," Kareli said.
Paramedics and firefighters were at the scene.
- SAPA
