DCS tells MPs it's ready to take over running of Mangaung Prison
Officials from the department were briefing the portfolio committee on their readiness to take over control from private security, G4S, which was prompted by Thabo Bester's escape two years ago.
Mangaung Correctional Centre, where murderer and rapist Thabo Bester escaped in May 2022. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
CAPE TOWN - The Department of Correctional Services is more than ready to take over the privately operated Manguang Prison in Bloemfontein.
The department told Parliament that there have been no escapes or attempted escapes this financial year at the country’s prisons.
Officials from the department were briefing the portfolio committee on their readiness to take over control from private security, G4S, which was prompted by Thabo Bester's escape two years ago.
The department told the committee that the Mangaung Correctional Centre was being managed by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC) for a period of 25 years under the daily operations of G4S.
But in 2021, the national commissioner appointed a takeover task team led by regional commissioners in preparation for the takeover of both Mangaung and Kutama-Sinthumule correctional centres at the end of 2026 and 2027 respectively.
But Thabo Bester's escape added an element of urgency to the takeover.
Regional Commissioner Subashini Moodley said they were now ready.
"We are indicating that the department is ready to take over the operations of MCC and the takeover will only commence, very importantly, once the legal processes have been finalised."
G4S is currently engaged in a legal battle with the department following its notice to terminate the contract after Bester's escape in May 2022.