The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has taken control of the privately-run Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein after the Thabo Bester escape saga. Dubbed the Facebook rapist, Bester staged his clean escape in May 2022 allegedly dressed like a prison warder. His escape was followed by a burnt dead body in Bester's holding cell which the DCS believing that the convicted rapist and murderer committed suicide by setting himself alight.

G4S BOOTED OUT

DCS National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale announced the appointment of Patrick Mashabathakge as a temporary director at the prison on Thursday. Thobakgale said G4S director Johan Theron was removed from the position with immediate effect since it appeared he lost control of the centre. "This will mean that this temporary manager will perform the functions of the director. In this instance, I have appointed Mr Patrick Ali Mashabathakga as the temporary manager of Mangaung Correctional facility with immediate effect,' said Thobakgale.

STABILISING THE PRISON

Thobakgale said Bester's escape is one of a kind. "The fact that Bester could run illegal activities from prison is one of the reasons why we are taking over. The step we take today is drastic. We are directly getting involved in managing the running of this prison so that we can stabilise it," he said. He said this is the first escape that DCS is dealing with that had so many lapses in security operations. "The temporary manager is a DCS official with experience running a super maximum security prison. We have in the past taken over running Mangaung and he was part of that team." he said adding that, "I can't answer if the body has been identified, its part of SAPS investigations. I also can't answer about where Bester is in terms of tracking him because that is also part of SAPS investigations."

PRISON SECURITY PARALYSED

Thobakgale said on the day of escape, there was  a vehicle allowed into the prison without a pass, which is unusual in a hi-tech prison. He said security at Mangaung Prison is paralysed. "We remain confident we will find Bester.We will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this incident. Several members from DCS have been served with suspension notices. The three officials' conduct is being investigated."