They are accused of assaulting and torturing Mpho Mkhumbeni over a misplaced R800. The incident happened after a search operation at the facility.

The man (39) who was serving a life sentence for murder died on 12 March at the G4S-managed facility after being rushed to the prison’s in-house hospital. The portfolio committee on correctional services expressed its shock after it emerged that G4S and its employees actively concealed information and distorted reports during the investigation into the death of Mkhumbeni, who died under “suspicious circumstances”.

It is understood G4S only submitted a report on the incident a week before the department of correctional services appeared before the committee on 9 September, despite repeated requests from the department since March.

This delay, combined with evidence of obstruction, prompted committee chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng to declare the public-private partnership between the DCS and G4S must end.

Mangaung Correctional Centre head Patrick Mashabathakga, appointed on 23 March following the 2022 Thabo Bester escape case, told parliament he had not been informed of the search operation. 

He detailed how Mkhumbeni sustained blunt force trauma and complications from pepper spray exposure. The inmate, who suffered from asthma, collapsed in his cell a day later and was pronounced dead after a brief examination.

A post-mortem confirmed injuries consistent with assault.

The committee also heard G4S allegedly coached staff on how to document the incident and advised them to assault the inmate on parts of the body that would not show marks.

It came to light pre-drafted statements were reportedly handed to staff to ensure consistent versions of events.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg