Goodwood prison staff suspended after inmate's death
Investigations by the Department of Correctional Services revealed that officers allegedly used force during the altercation that left Fortuin with fatal injuries. The investigation was conducted after Fortuin died at Karl Bremer Hospital from multiple blunt force injuries.
It is alleged that Fortuin stabbed correctional officer Lwandile Manise during a routine unlock procedure. Officials intervened and restrained Fortuin, who later died in the hospital. Fortuin faced multiple charges, including triple murder, at the time.
Officials suspended include Mr Lamla Shumane and Mr Xolani Matshoba, whom the department had initially reassigned but has now suspended again. They join Mr Qhama Kweleta and Ms Thembisa Mninzi, who have remained on suspension since shortly after the incident.
The department is also reviewing the conduct of other staff involved and may take additional disciplinary steps. Meanwhile, injured officials Mr Lwandile Manise and Mr Gareth Skippers are recovering at home.
The department said in a media statement that the investigation revealed serious lapses and that they will take further disciplinary action where necessary.
What does this brazen attack say about rising violence and safety?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
an hour ago
- The Herald
Raids reveal scale of gangs and corruption in correctional facilities
Correctional services minister Dr Pieter Groenewald says the department will intensify raids and crack down on corrupt officials as part of efforts to restore discipline and strengthen prisons as secure state assets. Addressing parliament during the department's budget vote in Cape Town on Tuesday, after his first year in the position, Groenewald said unannounced visits and raids were central to exposing the true extent of crime inside facilities. 'Wicked problems can be resolved once we remove the Band-Aid to inspect the wound properly, and we can only address our problems if we recognise their true extent,' he said. Groenewald said in the past year 466 raids were conducted, three in the past week. 'I have also conducted many unannounced visits at facilities. 'Unannounced visits and raids will increase in the year ahead. We are cleaning our correctional facilities and those aiding smuggling know their days are numbered.' Since July 2024, officials confiscated 33,874 cellphones, 20,577 sharpened objects, 232kg of drugs, cash totalling R394,450 and 122,407 items linked to alcohol and other substances. Groenewald said in 2024, 515 correctional officials received final written warnings, 181 were suspended without pay and 146 dismissed for wrongdoing.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Three men caught printing fake money in Pretoria
Undercover police arrested three men after discovering a counterfeit money operation linked to a Lyttelton shopping centre in Pretoria on Tuesday, 01 July 2025. Officers noticed a man loitering near ATMs and stopped him for a search. The officers uncovered fake banknotes hidden in the man's bag, mixed with blank sheets of paper. The discovery raised red flags and prompted further investigation. Acting on leads from the arrest, police raided a nearby house suspected to be the operation's base. Inside, they seized more counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes, as well as a printing machine used to produce the fake money. Police arrested two more men at the house during the raid, bringing the total number of suspects to three. The three suspects will soon appear in court on charges of possessing and producing counterfeit currency. Police have confirmed that further charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Muizenberg beach huts hit by surge in break-ins by homeless
A break-in at a Muizenberg beach hut over the weekend has added to a growing crisis for local volunteers. The break-in, as reported by False Bay Echo , occurred early Saturday morning, 28 June, when a couple from Rocklands, Mitchell's Plain, broke into one of the iconic beach huts after failing to pry open another. Muizenberg is reportedly seeing a surge of similar incidents, tied to homelessness, drugs, and security gaps in the area. Angela Gorman, chair of the Friends of the Muizenberg Huts, revealed, as per False Bay Echo , that the intruders smashed through a door and lock before settling in under a plastic sheet for the night. They were discovered the next morning. Police opened a case after finding a large knife and drugs in the couple's backpack. The woman reportedly told authorities that a private security guard had given them permission to sleep in the huts. They've since appeared in court and were released with a warning into the care of the woman's father. Gorman said that homeless shelters weren't an option due to safety rules and the couple's circumstances. 'It was our first instinct to try to get them to a shelter,' Gorman said. 'But because they arrived from Mitchell's Plain with drugs and a weapon, shelters won't take them – and even if they did, couples are separated due to single-sex sleeping arrangements.' she explained. This is far from an isolated incident, as Gorman also revealed there have been at least 30 break-ins this winter, not including dozens of attempted ones that still caused damage. The mounting cost of repairs is already at R36 000. 'Our volunteers are constantly replacing doors and locks, only to find more damage the next day. It's not sustainable.' she said. Now, the volunteer group is calling for stronger support from the City of Cape Town as well as the community. Their top request: a dedicated hotline or WhatsApp line for beach-area incidents. Gorman said that Muizenberg is an iconic area that draws global tourists. 'We need to protect both their safety and our local heritage before it's too late.' she said. 'Break-ins are a problem, but so is the lack of support for people sleeping rough. Both need attention – urgently.' Gorman ended. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
