According to Prisons contractor G4S, it was them that alerted police about a strange chemical or “petrol” smell emanating from Thabo Bester’s burnt prison cell. As well as apologising to Parliament for not appearing last week, the company has exonerated itself of any wrongdoing. G4S also told Wednesday’s joint committee meeting that the Mangaung Correctional Centre was one of the highest rated prisons in the country.
G4S director Jacobus Groenewoud assured lawmakers that the company was working with all relevant authorities.
“On May 4, 2022, MCC promptly alerted SAPS to its concerns over the fuel smell. We have some concerns about this. We believed that this was not a suicide-related occurrence,” said Groenewoud.
“Two officials were to blame for breaking protocol. The prison is still a well-run correctional facility, according to the firm,” he said.
Two central control room employees disregarded plainly stated MCC regulations and procedures, according to the report.
G4S also provided a comprehensive presentation and timetable to Parliament on the days preceding Thabo Bester’s escape.