Legal battle for state to take control over Mangaung Correctional Centre continues

JOHANNESBURG - The legal battle for the state to take control over the controversial Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein continues.

In 2023, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) attempted to terminate its contract with the British-run security provider G4S after murder and rape convict, Thabo Bester, escaped from the facility in 2022.

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G4S countered these attempts by taking the government to court in a case that's yet to be finalised.

The prison faces fresh scrutiny following the arrest of four officials this week for the murder of an inmate.

As dark clouds hang over Mangaung Correctional Centre outside Bloemfontein, it casts a shadow over the future of the privately run facility.

G4S, a British-owned security provider, has been managing Mangaung Correctional Centre for 25 years, with its contract set to expire in June 2026.

While DCS has been trying to end its contract with G4S through a two-year High Court legal battle, it seems G4S is likely to see its contract through.

This is despite the prison once again making headlines following the murder of an inmate in March and attempts to cover up their crimes.

Seven prison officials, including three senior managers and four junior wardens, were suspended last week for the murder of Mpho Mkhumbeni, who died in March, after he and his cellmates were severely beaten and pepper-sprayed following a raid at their cell.

On Tuesday, police arrested the four junior wardens who will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Friday for bail application.