DCS probing gross misconduct at Mangaung prison following inmate's murder
The prison stands accused of trying to cover up the murder of an inmate in March.
Mangaung Correctional Centre, where murderer and rapist Thabo Bester escaped in May 2022. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Correctional Services is investigating gross misconduct at the privately run and controversial G4S prison in Mangaung, following the murder of an inmate.
Mpho Mkhumbeni was beaten and pepper-sprayed in his cell at the Free State prison on 11 March.
The following day, he collapsed and, despite being rushed to the prison clinic, died from his injuries.
Following the controversial escape of Facebook rapist, Thabo Bester, in 2022, the G4S Mangaung prison in the Free State finds itself once again embroiled in a scandal.
The prison stands accused of trying to cover up the murder of an inmate in March.
During a briefing on Wednesday, DCS national commissioner, Samuel Thobakgale, confirmed that murder convict, Mpho Mkhumbeni, died of complications caused by pepper spray and blunt force trauma to his head.
This follows a raid at his cell at the facility on 11 March, where Mkhumbeni and his cellmates were beaten by DCS officials, who accused them of stealing R800 from one of the officials' bags that was left in their cells during the raid.
Mkhumbeni's brother, Bongile, said that the DCS briefing raised more questions than answers.
"So who was responsible, who's going to account, who needs to account for this death? I think that's our stance."
Seven DCS officials have been suspended while police investigate a case of murder.