Oudtshoorn Correctional Centre Stabbing Leaves 1 Inmate Dead, SA Divided As 4 Officials Also Wounded
- A violent incident at the Oudtshoorn Medium Correctional Centre left several Correctional Services officials injured
- Investigations are underway into the stabbing incident that resulted in the death of an inmate at the facility
- South Africans shared mixed reactions online to the news, with some blaming prisoners for the problem
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE – One prisoner has been left dead and numerous Correctional Services officials injured after an incident at the Oudtshoorn Medium A Correctional Centre.
The incident at the Western Cape facility on Thursday, 7 August, was reportedly sparked by a search operation conducted at one of the cells in A-Section. Investigations are currently underway into the incident, and the offenders implicated in the stabbing now face further disciplinary action.
What happened at the correctional centre?
According to the Correctional Service Spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, tensions began to rise on 6 August 2025, during a search operation. Inmates housed in Room 005 of A-Section initially resisted being searched, but eventually the officials were able to complete the operation. Several contraband items were confiscated during the search, including cellphones and narcotics.
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The matter didn’t end there, however, as the following day, inmates attacked
“In a clear act of retaliation, offenders from Room 005 launched a premeditated and violent assault on officials during unlock procedures on 7 August 2025 at approximately 07h55,” Nxumalo said.
He added that four officials were stabbed to the face, head and back and received medical treatment for their injuries. One offender also sustained injuries and passed away as a result.
This is not the first story to make headlines this year in which an inmate died. In April, seven officials from the Mangaung Prison were suspended following the mysterious death of an inmate.
What happens now to the inmates?
Investigations are currently underway into the violent incident and the death of the inmate, with all offender activities suspended until further notice. Inmates implicated in the stabbing have also been placed in single cells pending disciplinary action.
Officials also conducted another search of A-Section, which resulted in more weapons being confiscated.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to Briefly News about the matter, Vin Singh, a Correctional Services officer in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, said that offender-on-member attacks were rare, but also depended on whether the offenders were aware of the shortage of personnel because of overcrowding, and then took advantage of the situation.
He added that officials also identified potential troublemakers and went in with extra manpower when searching those cells.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news, with some blaming the prisoners and others faulting the officials.
Cassandra Mokoena stated:
“You give them light sentences and too many rights. That's why even behind bars they don't respect officials and still behave like they're outside.”
Kapungu Attorneys Legal said:
“Dangerous prisoners shouldn't mix with others. It is dangerous to be a warden or prison guard. You too become a prisoner.”
Botumile Nathan Matsogo noted:
“And that killer will have rights in the court of law, irrespective of what he did, he will still be treated as a human being and mix with human beings. South African law is too weak.”
Tumelo Mogonediwa asked:
“Do these criminals think they are on holiday?”
Sihe Nkwanyana claimed:
“Prison guards are responsible for wars in prison.”
Bongani Mgubela suggested:
“Gangsterism is the main problem in our correctional facilities. If they can root it out, prisons would be safe for both inmates and correctional officers.”
Paul McTaggart claimed:
“The only time prisoners go after a warden is when they are corrupt and sadistically abusive to prisoners. An inquest should be conducted into this as soon as possible.”
Correctional Services officials to apply for bail
Briefly News reported that four wardens from the Mangaung Correctional Centre were set to apply for bail on 25 April 2025.
The four G4S employees were accused of murder and defeating the ends of justice after the death of an inmate.
The inmate was beaten and pepper-sprayed during an unauthorised raid in his prison cell on 11 March 2025.
Malaka Family Trust rejects R60,000 bribery claims
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the Malaka Family Trust rubbished the recent bribery claims made against Tebogo Malaka. The trust believes that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign. Citizens weighed in on the statement in support of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO.
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Source: Briefly News
