Four Mangaung Prison Warders Arrested in Connection with Inmate’s Death

Four prison warders from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein have been arrested in connection with the death of 37-year-old inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni. The arrests follow a months-long investigation into what authorities have now confirmed was an unnatural death inside the facility.

Mkhumbeni, who had been serving a life sentence for murder since November 2014, died on 12 March following what officials have described as an unauthorised raid on his cell. Initially, prison authorities claimed that the inmate had suffered an asthma attack. However, a post-mortem report later revealed that he died from complications caused by exposure to pepper spray and blunt force injuries.

The Department of Correctional Services has since confirmed that the use of force during the incident was neither sanctioned nor in line with standard operating procedures. The incident has raised renewed concerns about accountability and oversight within privately managed prisons.

The four suspects, aged between 34 and 50, were taken into custody earlier this week and are expected to appear in court soon. Their arrest follows an investigation conducted by the South African Police Service in conjunction with internal prison oversight bodies.

Speaking to the media, Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the department takes the matter seriously and is committed to ensuring justice is served.

“The actions that led to this tragic outcome do not reflect the values or regulations of the correctional system. No one is above the law, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent legal process,” Nxumalo stated.

The Mangaung Correctional Centre, a privately run facility managed by a global security company under contract with the state, has previously faced criticism over alleged abuse, misconduct, and poor oversight. This latest case has once again drawn public attention to the conditions within such institutions and the need for stricter monitoring.

Family members of Mkhumbeni have expressed outrage at the initial explanation of his death and are now calling for further investigation into whether other similar incidents may have been overlooked or misreported.

“He may have been a prisoner, but he was still a human being,” said his cousin, Lindiwe Mkhumbeni. “They told us it was asthma, but that was a lie. Someone must answer for what they did.”

Civil society organisations have also condemned the incident. The South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights said in a statement that the incident was a stark reminder of the violence and lack of transparency that still plague the correctional system.