Johannesburg – The Department of Correctional Services has announced that it has assumed full management and operational responsibility of Mangaung Correctional Centre, now renamed Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre.
The prison hit the headlines after convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester escaped from the prison in May 2022 by faking his death in a cell fire before fleeing disguised as a guard.
His escape became one of South Africa’s most notorious prison scandals, leading to a government takeover of the facility.
Bester was rearrested in Tanzania in April 2023, after nearly a year on the run.
At the time of his arrest, he was traveling with his girlfriend, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, and a Mozambican accomplice.
Bester and Magudumana remain incarcerated.
The escape prompted efforts by the Department of Correctional Services to take control of the prison, which has been operated by G4S, a British private security company under a 25-year contract.
Today, Wednesday, 1 July 2026, Correctional Services Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo announced the transition.
“This transition follows the conclusion of a 25-year Public Private Partnership agreement between the Department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts , operated by G4S, which came to an end on 30 June 2026,” explained Nxumalo.
He said procedures at the facility were in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998), and all applicable policies, regulations and operational standards governing correctional services in South Africa.
The facility will operate under the Grootvlei Management Area in the Free State/Northern Cape Region.
“It can be confirmed that the centre is fully operational, ensuring continuity of services and the safe, secure and humane detention of inmates,” Nxumalo said.
“This marks the culmination of extensive planning in ensuring a seamless transition, with no disruption to the daily operations of the correctional centre.”
He stated that Direct management by the Department of Correctional Services reinforces the government’s commitment to a correctional system that upholds constitutional values, promotes rehabilitation and reintegration, and places public safety at the centre of its mandate.
