As part of the ministers' operations assessment at prisons Dr Pieter Groenewald visited the Grootvlei Correctional Facility and the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

He said he is satisfied with MCC's upgraded security features after the escape of the Facebook rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, in May 2022.

“I am not the type of person that just accepts that if someone says that certain steps have been taken that it took place,” said Groenewald. “I want to see for myself whether it is operational or not. Therefore, further unannounced visits to our centres will take place.”

“At the Mangaung Centre, upgrades were done to the video cameras, and they are also in the process of upgrading all the cameras in that centre, so I am satisfied as far as that is concerned.”

As far as the Grootvlei Correctional Facility is concerned, I am not happy. For instance, a very important security measure of scanning machines and metal detectors did not work the last time I was there, and it is still not working, he said.

The minister demanded to know the reasons as to why these security measures were not operational and reiterated that if there was any negligence disciplinary steps will be taken.

Dr. Pieter Groenewald engaged with correctional officials during the visit. Photo: Facebook/The Department of Correctional Services

At the minister’s last visit to Grootvlei, he was told about Grootvlei’s Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability (SSS) projects, which included the under-construction chicken abattoir with four broiler facilities, vegetable gardens, dairy, and the layers.

Grootvlei also provides vegetables to certain management regions in the Free State and Northern Cape regions due to their proficiency in production levels.

“As far as the chicken abattoir is concerned, it is still delayed because of certain orders from the side of public works. I will now personally get involved in that to ensure that there is progress.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg