A serial rapist serving 55 life terms was admitted to an undisclosed hospital after embarking on a hunger strike for more than 20 days.

Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said yesterday that Mongezi Jinxela wanted to be removed from a Kokstad correctional facility in KwaZulu-Natal to one in Gauteng so he could be closer to his family. Wolela described Kokstad Prison as the most secure correctional facility in the country.

"The department has taken all requisite steps outlined for the management of offenders embarking on a hunger strike. These include reporting to the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons and conducting daily assessments of his health condition by a doctor," he said.

He said they were concerned about the "risky and irresponsible action" by Jinxela, who has been declared "a serious danger to society".

The department believed Jinxela's demand to be transferred from Kokstad Prison had no valid base and therefore could not place public safety at risk. - Ntwaagae Seleka