PHUTI MOSOMANE
SINGABAKHO Nxumalo, spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), has announced that the DCS will be terminating its concession contract with the Bloemfontein Correctional Services (BCC).
The termination notice, which is in line with the concession agreement, has been given to the BCC and provides a 90-day period for the contract to end. Following the notice period, the contract with BCC will cease to operate.
“The notice of termination follows the announcement on 20 April 2023 by DCS that it had referred its contract with BCC for a legal opinion. It has been deemed that BCC is neither competent, nor suitable to continue with the concession contract,” said Nxumalo.
The Mangaung Correctional Centre, a public-private partnership facility, was operated by G4S until the Department of Correctional Services terminated their contract.
In response, the Department has announced an immediate internal exercise to facilitate the takeover process, in accordance with the procedures set out in the contract.
The decision to terminate the contract was made after the high-profile escape of Thabo Bester, known as the Facebook rapist.
Eight G4S employees who were on duty during the escape and did not follow standard operating procedures have been suspended.
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