Key Points
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Four prison officials arrested over the death of an inmate.
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Family demands justice for those responsible for Mkhumbeni’s death.
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Human rights groups call for independent inquiry into prison deaths.
Four prison guards from Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the death of 39-year-old Mpho Mkhumbeni.
The incident occurred on March 12, 2025, after Mkhumbeni was rushed to the prison’s in-house hospital.
Initially reported as a collapse in his cell, further investigation revealed conflicting accounts, which led the authorities to classify the case as murder.
Family demands justice and accountability
Mkhumbeni’s family has called for justice not only for the arrested officials but also for prison management, who may have played a role in covering up the incident.
“We want all those involved to be held accountable,” Mkhumbeni’s sister said.
She expressed shock that her brother died while in custody, believing that prisons were meant to offer safety and protection.
The family is pushing for criminal charges against those responsible, including the prison’s higher-ups.
Human rights group calls for independent inquiry
The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPHOR) welcomed the arrests but called for an independent inquiry into the ongoing problem of inmate deaths in the country’s prisons.
SAPHOR President Goldenmiles Bhudu stated that such atrocities have been well-documented over the years, but little action has been taken.
“We’ve been demanding accountability for decades, and now it’s more urgent than ever,” Bhudu said.
SAPHOR advocates for better prison oversight and improved treatment of inmates to prevent future deaths.
