Pretoria – The Correctional Services Department took over the management of the privately run maximum security Mangaung prison outside Bloemfontein, on Wednesday.
Acting National Correctional Services Commissioner Nontsikelelo Jolingana appointed Gauteng Correctional Services Deputy Commissioner Zacharia Modise as the acting Head of Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Recently, the Mangaung Correctional Centre has been marred by incidences of violence.
In some instances, wardens have been stabbed and a senior female guard was taken hostage by prisoners.
The violence was sparked by the sacking of more than 300 Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) members from the prison.
The prison’s security is manned by a private company, G4S, which is not coping well in providing the security of the inmates.
“We are fully aware that the situation at the centre is tense and volatile, and we are under no illusion that returning the centre to normality will not be an easy task.
“We remain concerned about the safety and security of inmates and officials, especially in the wake of the recent stabbing, and hostage, incidents,” Jolingana said.
According to Jolingana, in executing his duties, Modise will be supported by a team of senior DCS officials with expertise and experience in various areas of corrections management, including offender management programmes, health care, security and others. – SAnews.gov.za
