Lamola: ‘I will not resign over Thabo Bester saga’

CHARLES MOLELE

MINISTER of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola said on Thursday that he will not step down over the Thabo Bester controversy. However, he apologized to the victims of Bester’s crimes and said as the custodian, he takes full responsibility for the debacle.

Lamola and several officials from his department were briefing the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services in Parliament on Thursday about the investigation into Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein, Free State.

A number of stakeholders were also called to Parliament for a two-day session to brief the committee on the circumstances surrounding Bester’s prison escape.

During a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday, DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach questioned Lamola about whether he would resign from his position in light of the blunders made by his department regarding the Thabo Bester matter.

Lamola responded by apologizing and taking full responsibility on the matter,