Four wardens from Mangaung Correctional Centre, Lebohang Martins, Boitumelo Mooi, Cedric Motshabi, and Mojalefa Maarman are scheduled to apply for bail on April 25, 2025, in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.
All four accused appeared in the Bloemfontein magistrate court on the 23 April 2025.
The group faces charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice in connection with the death of inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni.
Free State Policespokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said earlier after their arrest that
Mkhumbeni, who had been serving a life sentence for murder since 2014, died on March 12, 2025, reportedly after being assaulted and pepper-sprayed during an unauthorized raid on his cell.
A post-mortem confirmed his death was due to complications from pepper spray exposure and blunt force injuries.
Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services has also placed seven officials on suspension in relation to the case.