Cape Town – Two more prison warders at Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended over the death of inmate Quinton Fortuin following the completion of the probe into the tragedy.
Commenting on the matter on Workers’ Day, (1 May 2025), Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale said it was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of inmate Fortuin.
He said the incident in which a warder was stabbed with a sharp object by the inmate occurred on 16 February 2025, at the Goodwood Correctional Centre.
On that fateful day, at about 08:10, a distress call was made via radio after Fortuin launched an unprovoked attack on correctional official Lwandile Manise.
The assault was carried out with a sharpened object, resulting in serious injuries to Manise, including a broken arm.
Manise was immediately assisted and transported to the hospital for treatment.
In response to the emergency, additional officials arrived and force was used to restrain the offender.
Inmate Fortuin sustained injuries during this intervention and was transported to Karl Bremer Hospital, where he was declared deceased shortly after 12:00.
The post-mortem examination concluded that inmate Fortuin died as a result of multiple blunt-force injuries.
His death was classified as unnatural, and the matter is currently under investigation by the South African Police Service under case number 356/02/2025.
An investigation into the fatal incident began on 11 March 2025.
On conclusion of the investigations, a comprehensive report was submitted to the Correctional Services National Commissioner Thobakgale on 29 April 2025.
“After reviewing the investigation report and considering its findings, I have decided that the Western Cape Region will reimpose the suspension of two officials, Mr. Lamla Shumane and Mr. Xolani Matshoba, who were previously suspended but later reassigned,” said Commissioner Thobakgale.
“They will now join Mr. Qhama Kweleta and Ms. Thembisa Mninzi, who remain on suspension.
“Other officials confirmed to have been involved will also be considered for possible disciplinary action.”
He said two injured officials, Lwandile Manise and Gareth Skippers, are recovering at home.
“The findings of this investigation point to an urgent need to evaluate the effectiveness of management practices at Goodwood Correctional Centre,” Commissioner Thobakgale.
Fortuin was a remand detainee admitted to Goodwood Correctional Centre on 26 August 2024.
He faced serious charges, including triple murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Fortuin’s criminal record dates back to 2007 and includes multiple prior arrests and periods of incarceration, including instances of parole revocation due to non-compliance with placement conditions and repeated violent offences.
