By OBAKENG MAJE
1 May 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed its deep concern that the death of another inmate has now been found to be due to unnatural causes, this time multiple blunt force injuries. Four officials from the Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said they noted the reports about the four officials being suspended following the death of inmate, Quinton Fortuin. Ramolobeng said they noted the reports that Fortuin allegedly attacked a correctional official, causing a broken arm.
“We noted that other officers had to intervene to subdue him. We further note that the post-mortem indicated that the cause of Fortuin’s death was a result of multiple blunt force injuries.
“This is extremely concerning as it comes across as excessive force or extreme measures are used in bringing inmates under control. We saw another incident recently at the Mangaung Correctional Centre,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said this is totally unacceptable. She added that, they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to thoroughly and speedily conduct its investigation into the inmate’s death in Goodwood.
“We want to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends in their time of sorrow. The committee will call the Department of Correctional Services and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services to brief it on these matters,” said Ramolobeng.
The Guardian 