The Mangaung Correctional Centre where the infamous murder and rape convict Thabo Bester escaped from last year is under the spotlight once again after inmates complained of unnatural deaths, torture at the hands of prison security as well as a lack of medical attention and services.
The allegations were contained in a memorandum submitted to correctional services officials by prisoners at the G4S-run jail in October.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said the claims made in the memorandum had been previously raised and dealt with.
“It was surprising when the same issues were raised, with the exception of a few recent cases,” department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
“As per the standard operating procedures, issues brought to the attention of the department must be investigated and dealt with.
“These issues were also forwarded to the facility as some required the centre to align certain processes, and also ensuring that complaints and requests are followed up.”
Nxumalo said despite this, the resuscitated issues were receiving attention and there was an investigation underway.
The allegations come at a time G4S has instituted civil action against the DCS.
The British private security company is allegedly refusing to hand the prison back to the department until its contract expires in 2026. – Staff Reporter