An inmate died at the Mangaung Correctional Centre on Sunday, the Department of Correctional Services said.
"The Department of Correctional Service confirm with regret the death of an inmate who was found to have taken his own life by hanging," it said.
The personal details of the inmate cannot be disclosed as the family is being notified.
The Office of the National Commissioner has directed a thorough investigation to determine the circumstance surrounding the incident, according to the statement.
"We appeal for patience and understanding as we ensure that the proper procedures are followed with due respect to the family's privacy," the department said.
In October this year, the Department of Correctional Service denied that the death of a female inmate at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre was at the hands of prison wardens.
The female inmate died weeks after she was allegedly tortured into revealing how a cellphone was smuggled into the facility.
A random raid at the prison turned up contraband items, among them a cellphone allegedly in the possession of the inmate.
According to the family of the inmate, she was allegedly tortured to reveal where the cellphone came from.
At the time in response to IOL’s request for comment, the Department of Correctional Service spokesperson Singabankho Nxumalo said that the allegations were a lie.
“She was not feeling well and was transferred to an outside hospital where she sadly passed on,” Nxumalo said.
“The family can be provided with her medical report and cause of death. The allegations raised are definitely a lie.”
IOL News