Prison evacuated after water woes

Photo: File

Photo: File

Published Mar 19, 2015

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Durban - Some sections of the Pietermaritzburg New Prison were evacuated on Wednesday after threats of riots by prisoners who have been without water for two weeks.

A prison warder, who declined being named, confirmed that three sections of the prison were evacuated and prisoners were transferred to other correctional facilities in the province until the water supply is restored.

He said prisoners had found it impossible to cope in the unhygienic conditions and had threatened to riot, prompting the move.

“Sections F, H and J of the prison have been evacuated. The situation was very volatile and fights were breaking out among inmates who were defecating on the grounds.

“Prisoners were also hungry and that led to many altercations,” the warder said.

The prisoners were being fed five slices of dry brown bread and a cup of tea daily as kitchen staff were unable to cook meals without water.

Toilets were clogged and the stench of human waste and overflowing toilets permeated through the corridors of the prison for more than two weeks. Prisoners were also unable to shower.

Correctional services spokesman, Thulani Mdluli, confirmed the evacuation and said water had been restored to eight other sections of the prison. A worn out water pipe that carries water to the prison is believed to have been the cause of the problem.

Daily News

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