The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed the transfer of remand detainee Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities moved Matlala on 21 December from the C-Max unit at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.
Officials say Matlala’s transfer followed standard procedures guided by security assessments, operational demands, and inmate classification requirements.
The department stressed that such transfers remain a routine part of managing high-risk detainees.
VUSIMUZI MATLALA TRANSFER CONFIRMED
The transfer follows heightened security concerns at Kgosi Mampuru, where officials recently found Matlala in possession of a mobile phone.
Correctional Services national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale led multiple raids at the facility, including its high-security sections.
Authorities handed the device to the South African Police Service for investigation, while officials reviewed Matlala’s security classification.
INSIDE THE EBONGWENI SUPER-MAXIMUM PRISON
eBongweni Correctional Centre is South Africa’s ultra-maximum security prison and operates as a facility of last resort.
According to eNCA, inmates spend up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement under constant surveillance at the eBongweni super-maximum prison.
Exercise is limited to one hour of sunlight in a small enclosed courtyard, with movement strictly controlled at all times.
Correctional services describes the prison as a centre designed for offenders considered unmanageable elsewhere.
VUSIMUZI MATLALA TRANSFER AND LEGAL STATUS
The department stated that the Vusimuzi Matlala transfer does not affect his legal rights or access to legal representation.
Officials confirmed that arrangements remain in place to ensure court appearances proceed without delay.
Correctional services declined to comment further, citing the sensitive security considerations surrounding placements at the eBongweni super-maximum prison.
