Correctional Services takes over Mangaung prison, scene of Thabo Bester’s escape

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has taken direct control of Mangaung Correctional Centre, the maximum-security prison made notorious by Thabo Bester’s escape, ending a 25-year public-private partnership with Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts, operated by G4S.

“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has officially assumed full management and operational responsibility of Mangaung Correctional Centre, now renamed Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre,” DCS said in a statement.

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The handover follows the expiry of the concession agreement on 30 June. Mangaung opened in July 2001 as one of South Africa’s privately managed correctional facilities, with an approved accommodation capacity of 2,928 inmates.