Mangaung Correctional Centre
By Thabo Mosia
Prisoners at the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC), the former “home” of notorious Facebook rapist Thabo Bester, were subjected to a surprise raid by Correctional Services officials in search of contraband and other prohibited items. Inmates were ordered to kneel on the floor with their hands against the wall while prison officials searched their cells. Mattresses were inspected, toilet rims checked, and even light fixtures scrutinised for any hidden illegal items. The raid was led by National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, on Thursday.
In a clear statement of intent, the National Commissioner of DCS, Makgothi Thobakgale is tonight (28 November 2024) leading a search operation at Mangaung Correctional Centre.He indicated that this operation is the first of many that will be rolled out during the festive season.
The unannounced operation aimed to root out contraband within the facility. Items discovered included cash, dagga, USB cables, cellphones, chargers, cigarettes, and tobacco. Thobakgale emphasised that MCC operates as a cashless centre, making the presence of money particularly concerning. He indicated that inmates found with prohibited items would face disciplinary action and criminal charges.
“The items that we found today reflect that there are security issues because we’re not supposed to find these items in a correctional setting,” Thobakgale stated. “It’s in the nature of correctional facilities throughout the world that there would be those blind spots. We’re going to investigate the root causes and continue to improve our security systems.”
The raid coincided with the launch of Operation Vala earlier in the day at the neighbouring Grootvlei Correctional Centre. This initiative, spearheaded by Thobakgale, aims to enhance security across all 243 prisons ahead of the festive season, a period often marked by increased visitation and potential security risks. Operation Vala focuses on preventing contraband smuggling and inmate escapes during the busy Christmas period.
Thobakgale expressed satisfaction with the actions taken, stating, “We are part of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security cluster. We have our own brief of ensuring that in correctional settings, security is heightened, the officials and offenders are safe.”
MCC, operated by G4S, has faced significant scrutiny following Thabo Bester’s escape in May 2022. Bester, a convicted murderer and rapist, faked his death in a cell fire, allegedly with assistance from several prison officials and celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana. The pair were arrested in April 2023 and are currently awaiting trial.
In May 2023, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that G4S was served with a notice for the cancellation of the contract to run MCC. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has been urged to oversee and monitor the implementation of the Public Protector’s report on Bester’s escape. Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka found “undue delay” in the Department of Correctional Services’ handling of the escape. Two officials have faced disciplinary hearings and received final written warnings.
In a clear statement of intent, the National Commissioner of DCS, Makgothi Thobakgale is tonight (28 November 2024) leading a search operation at Mangaung Correctional Centre.He indicated that this operation is the first of many that will be rolled out during the festive season.
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