DCS defends decision fo transfer 'Cat' Matlala's to super maximum prison

The Department of Correctional Service (DCS) said the transfer of attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to the Ebongweni super maximum correctional centre was done within the confines of the law.

Matlala was recently moved from Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility in Pretoria to the Ebongweni in Kokstad following a risk assessment.

However, his legal representatives said they had experienced difficulties consulting with him at the super maximum prison.

In a media briefing on Monday, the DCS maintained it acted lawfully and followed all procedures.

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Matlala appeared in the Johannesburg High Court last week, where his legal team voiced serious concerns about his transfer to the country’s only super maximum correctional facility.

His lawyers told the court that consulting with their client at Ebongweni had been extremely difficult, as they were separated by a thick glass barrier that also affected audibility.

The presiding judge in the Matlala matter advised him to institute legal proceedings to seek a transfer back to a Gauteng-based prison.

Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale remained undeterred.

"The transfers of 'Cat' Matlala and Thabo Bester were informed by this security and threat analysis. However, I will not go into the details of such information," he said.

Thobakgale said Thabo Bester’s transfer to the same prison was also lawful.