Minister Groenewald intervenes in gang leader’s prison transfer

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has intervened in the transfer of the notorious leader of the 28s prison gang, George 'Geweld' Thomas, to the Helderstroom Prison in the Western Cape. This follows an outcry from community leaders due to the high risk Thomas' presence may pose to communities of the province. Thomas is serving at least 175 years imprisonment after his conviction in 2015 on more than 50 charges including: Seven counts of murder Three counts of attempted murder Eleven counts of illegally possessing firearms Ten counts of illegally possessing ammunition Two counts of racketeering Three counts of belonging to a criminal gang Three counts of conspiracy to commit a crime Ten counts of inciting the commitment of a crime One count of housebreaking with the intent to commit robbery Three counts of theft 'We will work with communities on an ongoing basis to improve the system and maximise the positive change it can bring to vulnerable communities,' Groenwald said. T he department explained in a statement that Thomas has been 'swiftly redirected' to an alternative maximum-security facility. 'The department will also urgently investigate the matter thoroughly to identify the reasons for the prisoner's irregular movement. 'Emphasising the need for community engagement, the Minister also today [Tuesday] had a meeting with community representatives part of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition to engage on concerns and possible interventions to minimise the presence of bad actors in communities ridden with gang-related violence,' the department concluded. Source: South African Government News Agency