IFP Spokesperson on Correctional Services, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu said "The recent eruption of rioting at Groenpunt prison in the Free State on Monday underlines the urgent need for more prisons. Overcrowding of prisons renders then unmanageable and incidents like this occur. The IFP therefore urges the Minister of Correctional Services to request additional budget allocation from treasury for the building of more prisons".

"The IFP also condemns the behaviour of those inmates who set alight cells and offices and trusts that those responsible for same will be dealt with through our criminal justice system. Inmates have rights to raise grievances but those grievances must be aired within the realm and forums of the legal frameworks provided for same" said Ndlovu.