Four arrested over inmate’s death at controversial Mangaung prison
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of Mpho Mkhumbeni, an inmate at the embattled Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Mkhumbeni was found dead in his cell on March 12, 2025, with his death initially attributed to natural causes. Officials claimed he had collapsed, but a post-mortem report later confirmed he had died from complications related to pepper spray exposure and blunt force trauma. The revelation led authorities to reclassify the incident as a murder.
A subsequent investigation by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) uncovered that G4S’s Dedicated Search Team (DST) had carried out an unauthorised cell search the previous evening, March 11, without informing the DCS-appointed Temporary Manager.
The DST returned later that night, allegedly after misplacing a backpack containing R800. It is during this second visit that Mkhumbeni and three other inmates were reportedly interrogated, assaulted, and tortured over the missing cash.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since upgraded its inquiry from an inquest to a full murder investigation. The four suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today, April 23, to face charges linked to the killing.
Seven G4S employees including a security supervisor and several DST members have been suspended. The DCS has accused G4S of attempting to obstruct the investigation, citing efforts to conceal crucial details, and warned that such conduct may constitute an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
This latest scandal further tarnishes the reputation of the Mangaung facility, which drew national outrage following the 2022 escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester. The DCS is currently seeking to terminate its contract with G4S over repeated breaches of protocol and growing safety concerns within the prison.