By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 January 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it welcomed the briefing it received today from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on its action plan to comply with the remedial action contained in the Public Protector’s (PP’s) report on Thabo Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
On 30 September 2024, the Public Protector issued a final report on investigations into allegations of improper conduct on the part of DCS functionaries relating to Thabo Bester’s escape from the Correctional Centre, as well as the allegations of undue delay and/or omission to intervene on the part of the former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said in the report, the National Commissioner was instructed to, within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS escape prevention strategy and guidelines for Mangaung Correctional Centre, indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place or steps directing how the functionaries of the DCS and its contractors must effectively prevent and manage inmate escapes at all correctional facilities, including Mangaung.
Ramolobeng said the Deputy Minister of DCS, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, who led the departmental delegation, told the committee that the department has complied with all the PP’s recommendations and done so within the stipulated deadlines.
“She said the department is happy to report within the timeframe recommended by the PP. In welcoming the escape prevention strategy and guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre and in its engagement with the DCS, the committee told the department that budget shortfalls, which was highlighted as the main problem, may be a partial contributor to the escapes of inmates but the main problem is corruption, which must be exposed and prevented.
“The committee stressed the important role of whistle-blowers, especially among inmates, to prevent prison escapes. We applauded the DCS for keeping to the PP’s deadline,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said she also noted gaps in the strategies presented but said that these can be addressed over time. She added that they appreciate the refinement of the strategies.
“We also noted that the committee expects zero escapes when the department next comes before the committee to present the department’s quarterly report.
“We also call for the strategies to be implemented and consequence management applied for offenders. We call for zero tolerance of officials who participate in smuggling contraband and called for the department to collaborate with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development,” said Ramolobeng.
The Guardian 