According to SABC, Lamola said the government has to consider whether it has the capacity to manage the facility before any reckless decisions are made.

Speaking to the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the Correctional Minister also gives assurance that his department is still pursuing a case involving the Gupta brothers. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) failed to extradite them to South Africa.

The Gupta brothers will face charges of corruption and money laundering.

Lamola said more arrests are also expected in the Thabo Bester case following his escape from custody.

“We also have to assess our own capacity, if indeed we decide to cancel,” said Lamola.

There have been many calls for the termination of the G4S' contract at the Mangaung Correctional Centre following Bester's escape and allegations of fraud at the maximum security prison.

The Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also wants G4S penalised.

He said it should include the R1.4 million spent on returning the fugitives.

Motsoaledi says this is not the only cost that the government has incurred due to the escape.

He was speaking to eNCA's Prof. JJ Tabane on Power To Truth.

"I think they should be penalised on many fronts for the expenses that the government incurred because of their carelessness and they are being paid," the minister said.

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