Temporary manager appointed at Mangaung prison following Thabo Bester escape

A temporary manager has been appointed to take over the running of the facility.

Thobakgale spoke at a media briefing in Bloemfontein to provide an update on the escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.

Bester - who is known as the facebook rapist - made a daring escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre last year. 

He was thought to have died when a fire broke out in his cell, but it has since emerged it was a ploy to help him escape from custody. 

Thobakgale said Bester no doubt had assistance from inside the prison when he escaped.

“The findings of the report points to the fact that the Director of Mangaung Correctional Centre has lost effective control of the facility, amongst other factors. In this instance, I have appointed Mr Patrick Ali Mashabathakga as the temporary manager of Mangaung Correctional Facility with immediate effect”. 

The commissioner says the investigation revealed that Bester was assisted during his escape from prison despite G4S saying otherwise.

“Greatly worrying is the fact that a private vehicle was allowed inside the facility without a gate pass on the day of the escape, possibly carrying an unknown body that was burnt beyond recognition in cell 35. This talks to a facility that has compromised its security system beyond any reasonable doubt.”

Thobakgale says G4S’ contract will not be renewed beyond 2026. 

“One of the challenges we faced during our investigation is that we were not getting the necessary cooperation and the information we needed from G4S for us to be able to conduct our investigation

“Restoring control and prudent management systems are key priorities in the effective running of a correctional facility. Critical to this is the enforcement of standard operating procedures, where rules and regulations are aligned towards humane treatment, safety and security of inmates, officials and service providers.”

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