Well-known Thabo Bester’s ex-prison mate has died by suicide
The dramatic death of an inmate at the controversial Mangaung Correctional Centre has caused yet another stir months after Thabo Bester’s escape saga.
The well-known convicted prisoner, who went on a hunger strike in 2022, committed suicide on Monday, 21 August.
During his hunger strike, the inmate blamed the prison and the Department of Correctional Services for human abuse, inaccessibility of medical care, and unlawful punishment, among other things.
The inmate was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and family violence in 2013.
According to South African Prisoners Association for Human Rights, the inmate has been complaining and requesting to be transferred to an institution near his home and be classified from maximum to minimum.
An association member, Golden Miles Bhudu, said the department and the controversial G4S security company should take full responsibility for the horrific death of the said inmate.
A video of the man lying down on the floor with authorities and health officials next to his body went viral on social media. In that video, the narrator alleged that no one has been looking after the inmate until he committed suicide.
In the interview with Daily Sun, the Department of Correctional Services spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that an unfortunate suicide incident occurred on their premises.
“He managed to climb to the truss of the building and threw himself to the ground. The internal hospital treated him before being rushed to an outside hospital, but sadly he passed away. The incident happened at about 8.59pm,” said Nxumalo
Nxumalo told the media not to mention the inmate’s name until his family has been officially told.
The SunTeam has learnt that the incident was reported to the police for investigation.
Bloemfontein police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane promised to issue an official statement regarding the matter at later stage.
-daily sun
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