Late this afternoon (7 August) the Kutama Sinthumule Maximum Security prison located outside Louis Trichardt was still engulfed in thick black smoke as a fire broke out. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has released a statement addressing the situation.
As per the press release, the fire has affected the kitchen, maintenance section, and two blocks, specifically the Green and Yellow centres. These two centres collectively house a total of 1,892 inmates. The DCS noted that out of these, 1,132 prisoners are currently accommodated in the Yellow centre, which has not been impacted by the fire so far. Inmates have been relocated to a secure area within the facility for safety.
While the precise cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the primary focus at the moment is safeguarding lives and fully extinguishing the fire. The department has also taken steps to reinforce security measures to ensure the situation remains under control. Further details will be provided at a later stage, according to the DCS statement.
In the meantime, the Soutpansberg Town Watch issued a notice stating that they are aware of the problems at SACM prison. "All necessary roll players are on the scene. We ask all civilians - please do not go to the scene as a spectator. Please avoid the area," read the notice on their WhatsApp group.