A 30-YEAR-OLD man has died at Johannesburg Prison under mysterious circumstances

It is alleged that Norman Masuku, also known as "Big Boy", set himself alight in his cell after warders had dished up "a small piece of meat" for him.

His family, in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, suspect foul play and believe the Department of Correctional Services is trying to "cover up for someone".

"Where did he get the key? We have never heard of prisoners carrying keys of cells," said his mother Mavis Masuku.

"The warders who came to inform us of his death said that after complaining about his food, he left the kitchen and locked himself in his cell. They said warders heard him scream and had to break down the door to gain access.

"They said he died from burn injuries and smoke inhalation."

Correctional Services spokesperson Simphiwe Kondleka promised to respond to Sowetan's enquiries but had not done so by late last night.

Masuku, who was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment in 2006 for rape, was doing his final year in graphic design at Intec College and was also going to write his matric this year.

"In 2009, I bought him a computer because he needed it for his studies. Someone killed my son and they have to take responsibility," Mavis Masuku said. "My son's death has shocked me. My heart aches, especially when I think about the things he has achieved.

"We were hoping that he would be coming home this year but his parole had not been confirmed yet."

His aunt, Fikile Masuku, said: "Prison warders should have followed him when he left the kitchen. He wasn't crazy. There is no way that he killed himself."

President of SA Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights Golden Miles Bhudu said deaths of prisoners would continue until the country "had a government that was sensitive to the needs of prisoners".

"There are many other incidents that go unreported. The government deliberately silenced our organisation, which spoke for prisoners," he said.

Bhudu said another prisoner "committed suicide" at Groenpunt Prison in Free State on Sunday.

"It is alleged that he also committed suicide after complaining about the food," Bhudu said.