DCS looking into leaked document of a probe into criminal syndicate at Mangaung prison

JOHANNESBURG - The Correctional Services Department says it's looking into a leaked document of an investigation into a criminal syndicate that has allegedly been running the Mangaung prison.

The syndicate is said to have aided convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, to escape.

Bester broke out of the prison in May 2022 but was re-arrested in Tanzania, along with his associate, Nandipha Magudumana.

The pair are facing multiple charges, including murder, fraud and violation of a charred body that was used as a decoy.

The Sunday Times reported that the investigation uncovered claims of a poisoning campaign to kill offenders who allegedly witnessed events leading up to the escape.

The departmental report allegedly identified four female guards who moonlighted as prostitutes and received money to the tune of R1,500 to provide sexual services to inmates and G4S employees.