9 more prison officials, inmates test positive for Covid-19
The confirmed tally for Covid-19 at correctional facilities across the country now sits at 138.
This comes after an additional 9 cases were reported on Tuesday.
Of the 9 new cases – 5 are inmates at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria and the other 4 are officials from the Western Cape.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says the patterns are now changing as the Western Cape and Gauteng are registering new cases daily.
“Mass screening and testing has been pivotal for the Department of Correctional Services as it enables the gauging of the actual spread of Covid-19 which leads to immediate containment and treatment of those testing positive,” says spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
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One of the officials who tested positive in the Western Cape died on Monday and an investigation by the Department of Health is underway to determine the cause of death.
“We have also recorded at case of a death at Goodwood but the Department of Health is still investing what could be the cause of that particular death,” Nxumalo adds.
Earlier the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) embarked on a campaign, calling for the early release from of certain offenders amid the coronavirus outbreak.
SAPOHR spokesperson Golden Miles Bhudu says the department has not implemented sufficient measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in overcrowded prisons.