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) agreement between the Department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC).
As part of preparations for the transition, the department says it has undertaken extensive planning and implementation processes to ensure a seamless transfer of operations.
“The Department has presented its operational readiness plans and can confidently affirm that all systems are in place for the successful assumption of responsibility.
As part of the integration process, Mangaung Correctional Centre will be incorporated into the Department’s operational structure and will fall under the Grootvlei Management Area.
To coordinate the transition, the Department established seven dedicated workstreams, each tasked with specific areas of responsibility,” read a statement from the department.
According to the department, workstreams, including a recruitment process, are underway to ensure a smooth takeover next month.
“A total of 668 centre-based posts, including professional, specialist and artisan positions, were advertised on 17 April 2026, with the recruitment and selection process expected to be finalised by 30 June 2026.
A total of 76 officials have already assumed duty at Mangaung Correctional Centre.
In addition, 60 Emergency Support Team officials have been identified, trained and deployed to conduct a comprehensive gang profiling exercise at Mangaung Correctional Centre as part of efforts to strengthen security and ensure a stable correctional environment,” the statement added.
The Department, however, acknowledged ongoing legal proceedings relating to a Labour Court judgment concerning the transfer of employees currently employed by G4S at Mangaung Correctional Centre.
It highlighted that it has exercised its right to appeal the judgment, and the matter remains subject to ongoing legal processes.
