Correctional Services beefs up security as MPs finally go to prison
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As the country awaits the testimony of businessman and attempted-murder accused Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala from inside the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison, the Department of Correctional Services says the facility is “safe and secure”.
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system will sit at the Pretoria prison on Wednesday, 26 November and Thursday, 27 November.
The committee consists of 11 members of Parliament from parties including the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The committee recently ruled that it would be safer to hear Matlala’s testimony inside the prison rather than have him transported to Cape Town. Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told Newzroom Afrika that security measures had been increased to ensure the facility remains secure. He said Correctional Services, together with the South African Police Service and other law-enforcement agencies, had worked to guarantee an incident-free sitting.
“Those who think they can try their luck and disturb the proceedings, unfortunately, they will not succeed because we’ve gone at length in terms of preparing for this particular week,” Nxumalo said.
Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, says security at Kgosi Mampuru II Prison has been beefed up ahead of attempted-murder accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s testimony before the #AdHocCommittee.
Matlala is currently in custody for allegedly orchestrating an attempted hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. He is also allegedly linked to fraudulent activities at Tembisa Hospital, where more than R2 billion was siphoned out.
In addition, Matlala owns Medicare24, a company awarded SAPS tenders that allegedly benefited the criminal underworld. On Thursday, 20 November, the committee heard testimony from Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani, the Divisional Commissioner for Supply Chain Management at SAPS. He was criticised by committee members for allowing Medicare24 to pass the bid evaluation process despite Matlala’s criminal record. Fani, however, maintained that the evaluation process was followed accurately.
Aside from Matlala, the committee will also hear from SAPS’ Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane.
DO YOU THINK PARLIAMENT MADE THE RIGHT CALL BY MOVING THE HEARING TO THE PRISON?
