Staff Writer | Tue, 2 Dec 2025
G4S precinct in Bloemfontein, Mangaung
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that it will allow its contract with British-owned private security company G4S, the operator of the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein to run its full course until it expires in June 2026.
The facility gained national and international attention following the dramatic escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester on 3 May 2022. His escape triggered intense pressure on the state to terminate its partnership with G4S, a company long dogged by allegations of torture, corruption and fraud.
Briefing Parliament’s portfolio committee on correctional services on Tuesday, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said that although litigation against G4S had not formally stopped, the department would no longer pursue the matter because it had become financially burdensome.
“The litigation was started in 2023 after the Thabo Bester incident. In my view, we did not continue with that because it is going to take a lot of money. I think the best option for DCS, as well as the taxpayer, is that the contract runs out and it has a natural death,” Groenewald said.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Minister Pieter Groenewald
He added that the department was preparing for a smooth transition when it assumes full control of the prison in mid-2026.
A Calculated Escape
The stalled litigation stems from Bester’s elaborate escape from the maximum-security prison, where he faked his death by setting a body alight in his cell. Bester allegedly orchestrated the plot with help from his partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and several others, including Senohe Matsoara, Teboho James Lipholo, and Tieho France Makhotsa. The group now faces charges ranging from aiding an escape, fraud and corruption to arson, violating a corpse, and defeating the ends of justice.
Thabo Bester appearing at Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court
After fleeing lawful custody, Bester and Magudumana allegedly lived a lavish lifestyle in Johannesburg before leaving the country. They were arrested in Arusha, Tanzania, in April 2023 after an international manhunt.
In Picture: Senohe Matsoara, Zolile Sekeleni
Their case is currently before the Free State High Court.
The Use of Katlego Bereng’s Body
Investigations revealed that the burnt body found in Bester’s cell was that of Katlego Bereng, whose remains were used as a decoy. According to testimony, Bereng’s body was brought into the Mangaung facility on 29 April 2022 by Matsoara, who entered the premises without being searched. The body was transported in a hired vehicle allegedly organised by accused 2, Zolile Sekeleni, the father of Dr Magudumana.
The body was later taken to Cell 35 in the Broadway section, where Matsoara and Lipholo placed it before setting it alight to fake Bester’s death.
‘Bester Was Handed a G4S Uniform and Walked Out’
A state witness testified that on the night of the escape, Bester was given a G4S uniform and walked out of the facility alongside Lipholo.
Lipholo was allegedly promised R2.5 million for his role but only received R40 000, with R30 000 paid into his wife’s account in April 2022 and R10 000 into his own account the following month.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
