The Department of Correctional Services says it is ready to take full responsibility for the Mangaung Correctional Centre from the beginning of next month. The facility came under the spotlight after convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escaped in May 2022 by faking his death during a fire inside a prison cell. Briefing the Portfolio Committee in Parliament, the department confirmed its readiness to assume full operational responsibility for the facility following the conclusion of the 25-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP)…

Judgment in the case against Sthembiso Mdlalose, who is accused of starting the blaze that killed 76 people in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, in 2023, has suffered another setback after the Johannesburg High Court postponed the matter on Wednesday. The State requested a postponement following a brief court appearance. Both the prosecution and the defence agreed that the matter should be delayed while awaiting a forensic report. Judge Cassim Moosa granted the postponement, saying the court requires additional time before Mdlalose can…

The African National Congress (ANC) says it will not implement any changes to the office of the Executive Mayor in the Madibeng Local Municipality pending the outcome of urgent legal processes linked to the municipality’s leadership dispute. The statement on Wednesday follows uncertainty over the future leadership of the North West municipality after internal ANC processes sought to recall the current mayor. Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says ANC respects the rule of law and will allow court processes concerning the matter…