Probe launched into gang ritual prison death

Cape Town - An investigation has been launched into the
death of a prisoner who died during an alleged gang ritual at
the Brandvlei Prison in Worcester, Western Cape, The Star
reported on Thursday.
The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services launched
the investigation after a prisoner died in a symbolic "spilling of
blood" gang ritual, according to the report.
Western Cape commissioner of correctional services Delekile
Klaas said preliminary investigations revealed that the
prisoner, Lubabalo Mzamo's death was as a result of a gang
ritual in a new section of the prison.
"Our investigation indicates that the attack could have been
part of a traditional numbers gang initiation which often
requires the spilling of blood to mark symbolic opening of the
new centre," Klaas said.
Mzamo reportedly died in Tygerberg Hospital after being in a
coma for 10 days.
Inspecting Judge Vuka Tshabalala said a report received last
week indicated that Mzamo was killed allegedly by prison
warders who tried to restrain him as he assaulted one of
them.
Klaas said although the warders were lauded for their prompt
response, the department condemned what appeared to be
excessive use of force by some officials.