Second prisoner dies from Barberton fire

A second prisoner has died following a fire in a cell at the Barberton juvenile prison, the correctional services department said on Monday.

"An offender that suffered third degree burns during a tragic fire incident in Barberton Youth Correctional Centre over the weekend, has passed on this afternoon," spokesman Manelisi Wolela said in a statement.

The 21-year-old was taken to Barberton Hospital on Saturday night and transferred to the Rob Ferreira Hospital on Sunday. His name could not be disclosed until his family had been informed.

On Saturday around 7pm, 19 inmates set the mattresses and linen in their cell alight. One prisoner, Zweli Zondo, died on the scene.

Wolela said the 21-year-old had been sentenced for theft and was due for parole placement in February 2015.

Zondo, a convicted rapist, was due for parole placement in January 2015.

Eleven of the prisoners involved were discharged from Barberton Hospital on Sunday afternoon. One was discharged on Saturday. Five were still in hospital.