DURBAN - EIGHT people are expected to testify on Tuesday regarding the death of prisoner Sphamandla Njilo at the Department of Correctional Services in Glencoe, KwaZulu-Natal.
In April, Njilo was assaulted and died of his injuries at the Glencoe prison clinic. Inmates were allegedly intimidated and instructed not to tell anyone what occurred otherwise they would be dealt with and transferred to another prison facility. The testimony will be held at the DCS Glencoe.
Njilo’s wife, Tao, said she was pleased with the progress made in the police investigation. Their daughter was receiving therapy and her performance in school had improved.
“I am briefed that eight witnesses will testify on Tuesday when the matter is heard in court. Some of the prison inmates who have since been transferred to other prisons are going to be taken back to Glencoe to testify.”
Njilo’s lawyer, advocate Sipho Bavuma, said because of Covid-19 restrictions, it had become difficult for him to access some of the witnesses.
“Another challenge is the constant transfer of inmates to other prisons. The Correctional Services Department has not supplied me with the reports I need. Someone has to account for what happened. We will get to the bottom of the matter,” he said.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the investigation was continuing and details would be provided in due course.
Daily News