KZN prison ravaged by fire

Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane confirmed that officers had been dispatched to the area after reports of the fire had surfaced.

 

Provincial Correctional Services spokesperson TP Mdluli told News24 that provincial prison officials were "rushing" to Glencoe.

 

Mdluli, who was also on his way there, could not confirm if there were any deaths, injuries or inmate escapes.

 

“We are still in the process of gathering information which is proving difficult while the fire is being battled and what we understand is that the prison is still burning,” Zwane said.

 

“We have received no reports that any prisoners have escaped and as far as we know they have been evacuated from the building and held by corrections officers. They will be able to tell you more.

 

The Northern Natal Courier reported that the fire was understood to have started in the prison’s dining hall and that the blaze had quickly spread and threatened prison offices.

 

Department of Corrections spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment.