The Bloemfontein-based Mangaung Correctional Centre is once again making headlines, but this time not because of convicted Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester’s escape.

Inmates of the prison, run by G4S, have since submitted a memorandum to G4S prison management and the Department of Correctional Service (DCS), which contained a list of grievances. The Departmental Spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed a memorandum was received from the inmates. However, he said it contained issues which were previously raised – years ago – and have been dealt with.

OFM News asked him to confirm whether those issues included allegations of unnatural deaths, torture by the prison’s security, as well as a lack of medical attention and services. Without confirming the issues, he said some of the issues which were raised years ago had no basis and where the department needed to act, it did.  

He added with the latest memorandum which was submitted in October 2023, several inmates, whose names are listed as complainants, were not aware their names were on the memorandum, as they had never submitted anything. “This came to the fore when investigators engaged with them to fully understand their complaints and for the institution to be in a better position to respond.

“It was clear that someone simply added their names to the memorandum.”

He added that, by the Standard Operating Procedures, any matters brought to the department's attention must be thoroughly examined and addressed. Additionally, these issues were communicated to the facility as some necessitated the alignment of specific processes and the proper follow-up on complaints and requests.

“As I have mentioned, some of the cases were dealt with previously. Someone is trying hard to resuscitate them. In short, the resuscitated issues are receiving attention. There is an investigation underway.”

Nxumalo was also asked about the progress of the investigation of the inmate who committed suicide in August 2023. On a Monday, the inmate in question jumped from the truss of the building . He was sentenced for murder and robbery, among other charges in 2013, and has been at the prison since 2015. OFM News is awaiting a reply on this matter.

Following the news that Bester was able to escape from prison and no one noticed it wasn’t his body found burnt in the cell for nearly a year, pressure mounted for DCS to cut ties with G4S. In April, the department announced they have given the Bloemfontein Correctional Services  which subcontracted G4S to run the prison, 90 days to wrap up their business at the prison.

However, as the date for G4S to move out of the prison came closer, the Gauteng High Court ordered mediation between the department and the private company before the termination was concluded. 

“The two are to take the necessary steps for the finalisation of the mediation proceedings on or before 31 August 2023.” 

In OFM News’ latest inquiry, a question was asked on what is set to be the next step, seeing the mediation period is over.

OFM News/Tshehla Koteli Daphné