Footage of a prisoner at the St. Albans Prison, which apparently had to wait five hours before being taken to hospital after a prison attack, has again put the safety of prison guards in the spotlight.
Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee posted a photo and video of the prisoner, who has since died of his injuries, on Twitter.
Abramjee’s entry provoked intense reaction and sympathy for the custodians at St. Albans, who often has to walk under the blades of prisoners.
The trade union Popcru previously said in a statement its information indicates that 88 officers have been assaulted in St. Albans prison since 2010.
It is believed the 27-year-old inmate apparently stabbed a keeper with a knife on Monday.
The deceased was awaiting trial on charges of murder and robbery. An internal investigation is ordered after his death.
According to Nobuntu Gantana, regional spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), a skirmish broke out on Monday while the prisoners of the Medium A section were waiting in the dining room after breakfast.
The deceased apparently stabbed a keeper with a knife in the back and his right arm.
Two other wardens were attacked by the same prisoner when they wanted to help their colleague.
According to Gantana, the woman guard’s uniform was torn by the prisoner’s knife and the male guard injured his ankle.
The keeper who was stabbed in the neck and arm was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.
Video of the prisoner being taken to hospital, allegedly some 5 hours after a prison warder allegedly assaulted him. He died. @DOJCD_ZA @RonaldLamola pic.twitter.com/raxwt0r3MJ
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 21, 2020
