In response to a Parliamentary question, DCS clarified that it does not hold direct authority to discipline G4S employees, as this responsibility falls under the company’s internal processes. However, the Department retains the power to suspend or withdraw certificates of operation of any G4S employee deemed unfit for duty under the Correctional Services Act and related contractual provisions.

According to information submitted to the Department, between April 2023 and the present:

• 19 employees were suspended

• 12 were dismissed

• 20 resigned before investigations were concluded

These cases were linked to allegations of corruption, dereliction of duty, and security violations.

The Department further confirmed that financial penalties had been enforced. Since the inception of the contract, a total of R2.5 million has been recovered from Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC), the consortium managing the facility, with G4S as subcontractor overseeing daily operations.

The Supervisory Committee, which adjudicates on compliance matters, meets every two to three months to consider observation notices. Its rulings become binding within 14 days unless contested by either party, and the Department enforces penalty decisions when necessary.

In terms of independent oversight, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) remains the primary watchdog. JICS is mandated to inspect correctional centres, ensure humane treatment of inmates, and report on corruption and systemic failures directly to Parliament.

The revelations underscore persistent concerns over the management of Mangaung Correctional Centre, one of only two privately run prisons in South Africa. While DCS can enforce penalties and restrict operations, critics argue that the reliance on G4S’s internal disciplinary procedures continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency in cases of misconduct.

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The Public Protector’s final report, issued on 30 September 2024, followed investigations into allegations of improper conduct by DCS functionaries regarding Bester’s escape, as well as the former Deputy Minister’s alleged failure to intervene. The report directed the National Commissioner to develop a comprehensive escape prevention strategy within 90 days. This strategy was to include monitoring mechanisms, system improvements, and clear guidelines for preventing inmate escapes at Mangaung Correctional Centre and other correctional facilities.

Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Ms. Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, led the DCS delegation at the briefing. She confirmed that the department had fully complied with all the recommendations of the Public Protector within the stipulated deadlines. She expressed satisfaction at being able to report back within the expected timeframe.

During discussions, the committee acknowledged the DCS’s efforts but emphasized that corruption, rather than budget shortfalls, is the primary cause of prison escapes. The committee highlighted the importance of whistleblowers, particularly inmates, in exposing corruption and preventing further escapes.

Committee Chairperson, Ms. Kgomotso Ramolobeng, commended the DCS for adhering to the Public Protector’s deadline and refining its escape prevention strategies. While she noted that there were still gaps in the presented plans, she expressed optimism that these issues could be resolved with further adjustments.

“We appreciate the refinement of the strategies,” said Ms. Ramolobeng. She emphasized the expectation of zero escapes when the department next presents its quarterly report to the committee. The Chairperson also called for stricter implementation of the strategies and firm consequence management for offenders.

Ms. Ramolobeng urged the DCS to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to staff involved in smuggling contraband and stressed the importance of collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to enhance security measures.

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As part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) plans to take over these facilities, a dedicated Task Team has been working on the transition process, beginning with MCC, which faces complications due to non-compliance issues and ongoing legal challenges. Despite these setbacks, DCS is focused on ensuring a smooth transfer of management once the legal matters are resolved or the contracts expire, the Department of Correctional Services told Parliament in a presentation on 26 November.

MCC began operations on 1 July 2001, under a 25-year contract with Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC), managed by G4S Security. The contract is set to end on 30 June 2026, with the Centre having an approved accommodation capacity of 2928 inmates. Similarly, KSCC in Makhado, Limpopo Province, has been operational since 16 February 2002, under a 25-year management contract by South African Custodial Management (SACM), set to conclude on 15 February 2027, and has a capacity of 3024 inmates.

In November 2021, the National Commissioner of the DCS appointed a Takeover Task Team, led by regional commissioners from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, and Free State & Northern Cape regions, to oversee the planned takeover of both MCC and KSCC once their private contracts expire. The team was tasked with preparing for the transition of these correctional centres into DCS management, beginning with MCC due to its contract ending a year earlier than KSCC.

However, during preparations for the takeover, numerous non-compliance issues at MCC were identified, prompting the DCS to invoke Section 112 of the Correctional Services Act on 28 March 2023. As a result, the Department decided to issue BCC a 90-day notice of termination for their concession contract, effective from 02 May 2023, through 31 July 2023. The department then focused on ensuring readiness to take over the MCC facility, with the National Commissioner appointing a temporary manager and an acting controller to oversee the daily operations of MCC during this transition period.

The Task Team and Work Stream Champions conducted multiple site visits to assess the facility’s operations and develop action plans for the takeover. These efforts were meant to ensure a smooth transition to departmental management and address the operational challenges MCC faced. However, following the termination notice, BCC sought an urgent court interdict to challenge the Department’s decision, which caused delays in the planned takeover process. The legal proceedings are still ongoing and remain unresolved.

The Department has emphasized that the takeover of MCC and KSCC will continue once the legal issues are finalized or at the end of the existing contracts, whichever comes first. The ongoing legal challenge by BCC has impacted the timing of the transition, but DCS remains committed to assuming control of both facilities in due course.

The Department notes it is ready to take over operations of MCC, but this will only commence once necessary legal processes have been finalised. Furthermore, the takeover of KSCC will only be finalised after the takeover of MCC is concluded.

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