The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says the apprehension of Thabo Bester and his girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana in Tanzania confirms to them the level of deceit and incompetence of the Department of Correctional Services and G4S.
The EFF issued a statement following the re-arrest of convicted rapist and murderer, Bester, his girlfriend, and a Mozambican national, Zacharia Alberto in Arusha, northern Tanzania.
Bester and his girlfriend had been on the run since his escape became public last month. Bester escaped from the G4S ran Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State in May last year.
The Party also lambasted the security company for failing to appear before Parliament to account on the escape of Bester from the facility.
The EFF says all public-private partnerships with private security companies running South African prisons, including G4S, should be terminated with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola says law enforcement officials in Tanzania are cooperating with South Africa to bring back the fugitives.
Lamola says Bester will be charged for murder, following the discovery of a burnt body, in his prison cell.
The Minister elaborates, “A case of escape from lawful custody was also registered on confirmation by the Department of Correctional Services that Thabo was not in their custody. We have confirmed with all relevant authorities in Tanzania, which include the national commissioner of police in Tanzania, and Interpol- that fugitives are being processed in the Tanzanian criminal justice system. I’ve also had a telephone discussion with the Minister of Justice in Tanzania, who has confirmed to us- of their cooperation and willingness to help in the process to bring them to South Africa as speedily as possible.”
Fugitive Bester and Magudumana expected back in SA:
G4S implicated
Lamola has also confirmed that officials from security company, G4S are implicated in the escape of Bester from prison.
Last week, parliament kicked off the process of officially summoning G4S before it to explain how Bester escaped from the Mangaung Prison, which the company managed.
Lamola says the company’s alleged involvement is being investigated.
“Yes there are officials from G4S implicated, in terms of the investigative report that we have. Correctional service investigations have been completed and submitted to me. We will give a blow by blow to the portfolio committee as to when the investigation started, types of officials implicated.” he adds.
