Case against Mangaung prison wardens arrested for murder of inmate postponed
Last week, correctional services confirmed they had suspended seven officials for the incident.
Mangaung Correctional Centre, where murderer and rapist Thabo Bester escaped in May 2022. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG - The case against four Mangaung prison wardens in the Free State arrested for the murder of an inmate has been postponed to Friday for a bail application.
The four junior officials were arrested on Tuesday for the murder of Mpho Mkhumbeni, who died last month following a raid in his cell where he was severely beaten and pepper-sprayed by Manguang prison guards.
He died the following day.
Last week, correctional services confirmed they had suspended seven officials for the incident.
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Four prison officials from the controversial privately-run G4S Manguang prison appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
They have been charged with the murder of Mkhumbeni, who was serving a life sentence for murder.
Prison officials are being accused of trying to cover up his murder.
His brother, Bongile, welcomed the arrests but questioned the involvement of senior management.
"For us, it is a step in the right direction. They have arrested the junior guys, but I am a bit concerned about the senior people that these junior guys are reporting to - what’s happening to them?"