Updated

South Africa's correctional services ministry says it will investigate allegations of abuse by staff at a private-run prison. British security firm G4S denies the allegations.

The Wits Justice Project, which investigates the criminal justice system in South Africa, investigated abuses at the Mangaung Correctional Centre over the past year. It said that more than 30 inmates say they were given electroshock therapy. Other prisoners, backed by information from a nurse, have signed affidavits saying they were given forced injections of anti-psychotic medications.

Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the allegations will be investigated. South Africa's correctional services took temporary control of the prison early in October after a labor dispute led to violence and other security concerns at the maximum security prison.