News Desk Reporter
The Department of Correctional Services has assumed full control of Mangaung Correctional Centre following the end of a 25-year private management contract. The facility has been renamed Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre.
The prison will now fall under the Grootvlei Management Area in the Free State and Northern Cape Region.
The handover follows the expiry of a Public Private Partnership agreement between the department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts, operated by G4S. The contract ended on 30 June.
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the transition was completed without disrupting operations.
“The centre is fully operational, ensuring continuity of services and the safe, secure and humane detention of inmates,” he said.
He said the facility continues to operate under the Correctional Services Act, 1998, alongside existing regulations and operational policies.
Nxumalo said the handover was carefully managed to maintain stability.
“This marks the culmination of extensive planning in ensuring a seamless transition, with no disruption to the daily operations of the correctional centre,” he said.
He said direct state management strengthens rehabilitation efforts and constitutional compliance within the correctional system.
“Direct management by DCS reinforces government’s commitment to a correctional system that upholds constitutional values, promotes rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
“It also places public safety at the centre of its mandate,” he added.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has welcomed the move, saying it strengthens oversight and accountability.
Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the return of the facility to state control presents an opportunity to improve governance and management.
Ramolobeng said the committee had monitored the centre over several years, raising concerns around security, governance, inmate welfare, use of force, healthcare services and contract management.
“These matters have underscored the importance of effective oversight and accountability in the administration of correctional facilities,” she said.
Ramolobeng said the transition should lead to measurable improvements and not only represent an administrative change.
She said priorities should include improved security, humane conditions, stronger rehabilitation programmes and better labour relations among staff.
“The successful management of Mangaung Correctional Centre will be judged not only by the smoothness of the transition,” she said.
“But by the department’s ability to uphold the constitutional rights of inmates while maintaining the safety and security of officials, inmates and the public,” she added.
She said the committee expects a detailed progress report within 30 days covering staffing, finances, security and rehabilitation programmes.
Ramolobeng also called for engagement with unions and stakeholders to ensure transparency during the transition.
She said the committee will continue oversight through regular briefings and visits.
The Mangaung Correctional Centre came under intense scrutiny in 2022 following the escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester while he was at the facility.
Bester allegedly faked his own death and escaped in May 2022 after a fire inside his maximum-security cell.
It was later revealed that the charred remains discovered in the cell belonged to Katlego Bereng.
Investigations at the time exposed serious security lapses at the privately managed G4S-operated facility.