The Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre prison in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo will remain closed until the damage caused by riots from prisoners is completed.
On 7 August, inmates led a revolt at Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre (KSCC). Three prisoners died during the riot, while 18 were injured. This resulted in all 1,892 inmates being transported to other prisons across the country.
The National commissioner of the Department of Correctional Makgothi Thobakgale visited the facility on Monday to assess progress.
The inspection was aimed at checking the quality of workmanship regarding the damage caused by the fire to the kitchen, and maintenance section.
“We are here to inspect the repairs to the damage, but the work has not yet been completed. The programme that the contractor gave us indicated that by mid-November next year, they would have completed repairs,” said Thobakgale.
“We have to ensure that the work is certified. There is mechanical work, electrical work, and structural work that needs to be done. So, all that has to be certified before the offenders can be brought back to the institution,”
The Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre operates as a government and private partnership (SACM), with the contract ending in 2026.
Thobakgale mentioned that, after the contract expires, the government will take ownership of the prison.