‘Free Jacob Zuma’ riots, tagged under the trending ‘SA shutdown’ movement, have taken an ugly turn as inmates from Umzinto prison joined the anarchy.
Prisoner dies trying to escape Umzinto prison
Law enforcement agencies in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng have been overpowered by the large-scale violence and dissent that’s erupted in most parts of the provinces since Friday 9 July 2021.
At every turn, in every region, spurts of unrest were seen and in the mid-South Coast, inmates from Umzinto prison saw an opportunity to join the chaos by breaking into riots.
At this time, no official word has been heard from the correctional service facility but according to reports, a number of prisoners may have managed to escape in the midst of the violence.
We also understand that at least one inmate reportedly fell to his death attempting to break free.
An inmate fell to his death following an attempted escape by prisoners at uMzinto Correctional Centre in KZN. A section of the facility was also set a light.
— Aldrin Sampear (@AldrinSampear) July 12, 2021
Here is footage of the moment that showed scores of Umzinto inmates gathering on the roof of the corrections facility, with no official in sight.
More Visuals Coming Out From Umzinto Prison
— The Insight Factor (@insightfactor) July 12, 2021
BREAKING – Here’s more visuals coming out from Umzinto Prison. pic.twitter.com/6TbNvvcc7v
There have also been reports of a fire that may have broken out inside the prison. This was confirmed by images showing plumes of smoke permeating from the South Coast facility.
Umzinto Prison On Fire
— The Insight Factor (@insightfactor) July 12, 2021
Umzinto Prison in KZN is on fire, prisoners are seen on top of the roof #SAShutdown #ShutdownKZN pic.twitter.com/oGDLJQVM3u
Our attempts to get an official statement from the correctional services facility were unsuccessful by the time this article was published.
This is a developing story.