Senohe Matsoara, a security supervisor thought to have worked closely with Bester and assisted him in his daring escape on May 3 of last year, was fired by the international security firm in September.
Thursday saw the appointment of a temporary manager to take over management of Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) from G4S, according to National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale.
Three independent sources informed TimesLIVE Investigations that Matsoara was not scheduled to be on duty the night of Bester’s escape, yet he reported for the shift.
The DCS investigation found that a private vehicle entered the facility on the day of the escape without a gate pass. It is believed that the vehicle was carrying the dead body that was later found burnt beyond recognition in Bester’s cell. Surveillance cameras were also tampered with.
“This talks to a facility that has compromised its security systems beyond any reasonable doubt,” Thobakgale said.
Several press stories and a documentary have brought attention to a criminal culture among prison management and authorities after power was returned to G4S, particularly with relation to the brutal treatment of detainees.
After escaping from prison, Bester used an ID and a driver’s license under the name “TK Nkwana.”
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