By: Natasha Archary

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has decided to terminate its concession contract with Bloemfontein Correctional Services (BCC).
This is the company that subcontracted private security company G4S to oversee security at the Mangaung Correctional Center where Thabo Bester escaped.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 02 May, the DCS said the decision fell in line with the concession agreement, and a termination notice of 90-days has been given to BCC, thereafter, the contract will cease to operate.
“The notice of termination follows the announcement on 20 April 2023 by DCS that it had refereed its contract with BCC for a legal opinion. It has been deemed that BCC is neither competent, nor suitable to continue with the concession contract.
DCS will immediately resume with an internal exercise for the takeover process. The contract does lay down a procedure to be followed in this regard.”

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola briefed MPs on Tuesday, on his department’s decision to terminate the G4S contract.
According to Lamola, the contract was set to only end in 2026, and reportedly cost government an estimated R1 billion a year.
Government pays G4S R45 million a month to run the Mangaung Correctional Center.
Lamola further explained that 22 inmates escaped from a total prison population of 143 223 in the 2021/2022 financial year.
Two more G4S employees arrested in the Thabo Bester case
Meanwhile, another two G4S employees have been arrested in the Thabo Bester case, and are facing charges of assisting an inmate with escaping from lawful custody, and defeating the ends of justice.
The two former G4S employees were arrested on Monday, 01 May at their places of residence in Bloemfontein.
Both accused will appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 03 May.
This brings the number of arrests to seven in the case involving the escape of the convicted rapist and murderer.
Arrests made thus far include:
- Dr Nandipha Magudumana
- Dr Nandipha’s father – Zolile Sekeleni (65)
- Former G4S employee – Senohe Matsoara (39)
- CCTV Technician – Teboho Lipholo (44)
- 51-year old G4S employee
Bester’s alleged accomplice, Dr Nandipha Magudumana will be back in court on Wednesday, 03 May.
Also read: Grandmother and boyfriend arrested for Soweto boys murders



