Parliament’s Correctional Services committee to act against those involved in Bester escape
Last year, the Public Protector launched an investigation after receiving a complaint that the Department of Correctional Services had failed the public when handling Thabo Bester’s brazen escape.
FILE: Thabo Bester appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court on 5 June 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s Correctional Services committee says it will oversee the implementation of remedial action against those implicated in Thabo Bester’s prison escape.
On Tuesday, the committee met to receive legal advice from Parliament on processing the Public Protector's report on Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The Correctional Service Department has been found wanting in this regard.
But not all members agree, with some saying the report was too "narrow" and want Parliament to probe further.
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Last year, the Public Protector launched an investigation after receiving a complaint that the department had failed the public when handling Bester’s escape.
The report found that there were "undue delays" in the handling of the matter.
Committee chairperson Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee would ensure the department complies.
"The portfolio needs to make sure the department complies with all the stated remedial action from the Public Protector. The escape prevention strategy and also the anonymous anti-corruption report or strategy."
The committee said before the department makes submissions to the Public Protector, it must first come before the committee.
The committee will then make its recommendation.