The transfers of suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, were done in line with security assessments.
This according to Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale.
The Commissioner was responding to questions during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday.
“On a daily basis, we conduct risk assessments. We also assess threats that have to do with the system. We also assess threats and risks that have to do with each and every inmate that we accommodate in a correctional facility.
“This analysis becomes part of a security plan that each and every correctional facility develops on a daily basis. The transfers of inmate Cat Matlala and Thabo Bester were informed by this security and threats analysis,” Thobakgale explained.
Matlala was transferred to the facility in December while Bester was moved late last month.
Both were previously held at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria.
“It is with good reason and for the safety of both inmates. Apart, of course, from ensuring that the safety and security in the correctional system is not undermined by any activity that is associated with both inmates.
“Transfers are administered on a daily basis. For example, yesterday an inmate was transferred from the Eastern Cape to Ebongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security because of activities, criminal, associated [with him] that were detected.
“For us to be able to prevent crime from continuing to happen, including threats and risks that are associated with those that are in our facilities, we have to act and…promptly,” the National Commissioner added.
He emphasised that the department remains “open to engage” with the legal representatives of Matlala who reportedly complained about the quality of consultations.
Engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts on how to “work together to ensure that…he makes it to court on time” are also on the cards.
“That obligation we have been able to meet. He was able to consult with his lawyers. The primary objective is for us to ensure that at the end of the day, he is still available to appear in court.”
He added that the department was exercising its responsibility as a security department. – SAnews.gov.za
