Correctional Services Ready to Take Over Mangaung Prison

The department has assured Parliament that all systems required for the takeover are ready and operational ahead of the official transfer date.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is fully prepared to take over the management of Mangaung Correctional Centre when its long-standing public-private partnership agreement comes to an end at the close of June.

The transition marks a significant shift in the operation of one of South Africa's largest maximum-security correctional facilities, which has been managed under a public-private partnership arrangement for the past 25 years.

According to the department, extensive preparations have been completed to ensure that the handover takes place smoothly and without disruption to security, offender management or daily operations.

Detailed Plans in Place for Smooth Transition

The department has assured Parliament that all systems required for the takeover are ready and operational ahead of the official transfer date.

Once the transition is complete, Mangaung Correctional Centre will be incorporated into the Grootvlei Management Area, which oversees correctional facilities in the Free State and Northern Cape.

To manage the process effectively, DCS established seven specialised workstreams responsible for different aspects of the transition. These teams have been tasked with ensuring that operational functions continue without interruption from the first day under departmental control.

Officials say the planning process has focused on maintaining security, preserving service delivery and ensuring that offender management systems remain fully functional throughout the changeover period.

Recruitment Drive Strengthens Capacity

A major recruitment process has been launched as part of preparations for the takeover.

The department advertised 668 centre-based positions in April 2026, covering professional, specialist and artisan roles required to support operations at the facility.

Recruitment and selection processes are expected to be finalised by 30 June 2026.

DCS revealed that 76 officials have already reported for duty at the correctional centre as part of the phased staffing plan.

Security measures have also been strengthened through the deployment of 60 Emergency Support Team officials. These specially trained officers have been assigned to conduct a comprehensive gang profiling exercise within the facility, a move aimed at enhancing security management and maintaining stability among inmates.

Legal Matters Continue Following Labour Court Ruling

The department acknowledged that legal proceedings related to staffing arrangements remain ongoing.

In April 2026, the Labour Court ruled that the department should absorb at least 500 employees currently working at the facility following the termination of G4S's management contract.

DCS has since lodged an appeal against the judgment, and the matter remains before the courts.

The Mangaung Correctional Centre gained national attention after convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escaped from the facility while it was under G4S management, raising serious concerns about prison security and oversight.

Despite the legal and operational complexities surrounding the transition, the department says all inmates currently housed at the centre remain classified as maximum-security offenders and have approved Correctional Sentence Plans in place.

Officials have also reviewed and aligned offender management systems to ensure compliance with departmental standards once the facility comes under direct state control.

The department maintains that all necessary preparations have been completed and that it is ready to assume full responsibility for Mangaung Correctional Centre from 1 July 2026.