The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has called for the immediate termination of the contract with G4S, the service provider managing Mangaung Correctional Centre, following alarming reports of inmate deaths and cover-ups.

Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng expressed grave concern over the actions of G4S, suggesting they have begun acting independently and irresponsibly.

The committee’s reaction stems from a recent briefing by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that highlighted several unnatural deaths across various facilities, including Mangaung and Goodwood. “G4S is acting as a law unto themselves,” Ramolobeng stated, highlighting a critical report that was only submitted last week regarding an inmate’s unnatural death that occurred in March.

As the committee unravelled the disturbing circumstances surrounding these cases, Ramolobeng expressed shock at the “levels of dishonesty” displayed by correctional officials eager to cover up instances of malpractice and brutality. One particularly harrowing incident involved the death of inmate Mpho Mkhumbeni, who reportedly sustained severe injuries from assaults carried out by G4S officials after the planned execution of a callout drill.

Mkhumbeni, who had a known history of asthma and previous medical issues, collapsed in his cell and was later declared dead. A post-mortem confirmed that his injuries were inconsistent with his medical history, implicating foul play.

The committee learned that staff at G4S had presented pre-drafted statements urging officials to ensure their narratives aligned, reportedly instructing them to assault inmates on less visible areas of the body to obscure evidence.

Such actions are not only reprehensible but signal a chilling attempt to obstruct justice and accountability within the correctional system.

Another grave incident involved inmate Quinton Fortuin at Goodwood Correctional Centre, where he was attacked by officials even after being disarmed. The committee heard longstanding allegations indicating that the use of force was excessive and unjustified.

Fortuin too was later declared dead due to unnatural causes. The contradictions in the reports produced by staff further raised questions about integrity, with officials allegedly backdating incident reports to distance themselves from culpability. It is alarming to consider the lengths to which some staff members would go to manipulate the truth.

In a challenging exchange, Ramolobeng firmly questioned G4S’s sincerity when they requested to be summoned before the committee.

“You do not deserve to be summoned. Which information do you want to protect that is already public knowledge?” she retorted, emphasizing the committee’s vital role in overseeing the DCS operations.

The push for accountability is not merely procedural; it addresses broader issues of governance and ethics within the correctional service sector, which have come under significant scrutiny. G4S’s delayed compliance in providing pertinent reports related to the March incident raises further questions about their willingness to acknowledge responsibility.

As the members of the Portfolio Committee continue to investigate these serious allegations, the call to end the partnership with G4S signals a pivotal moment for South Africa’s correctional system. 

IOL

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