Pretoria: The transfers of suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad were conducted based on thorough security assessments.

According to South African Government News Agency, Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale addressed the media during a briefing in Pretoria, explaining the reasoning behind the inmates’ transfers. Thobakgale emphasized the importance of daily risk assessments that evaluate threats related to the correctional system and individual inmates. These evaluations are integral to the security plans developed by each correctional facility.

Matlala was relocated to eBongweni in December, while Bester’s transfer occurred late last month. Both were previously housed at the Kgo‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡i Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria. Thobakgale stated, “It is with good reason and for the safety of both inmates. Apart, of course, from ensuring that the safety and security in the correctional system is not undermined by any activity that is associated with both inmates.”

The National Commissioner noted that transfers are routine and necessary to prevent ongoing criminal activities and mitigate risks associated with inmates in their facilities. He provided an example of an inmate recently transferred from the Eastern Cape to eBongweni following a security reclassification from medium to high.

Thobakgale also highlighted the department’s openness to engage with Matlala’s legal representatives, who have expressed concerns about consultation quality. Discussions with the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts are planned to ensure Matlala’s timely court appearances.

The Commissioner reiterated the department’s obligation to maintain security and facilitate legal processes, ensuring Matlala remains available for court proceedings. “The primary objective is for us to ensure that at the end of the day, he is still available to appear in court,” Thobakgale stated, underscoring the department’s commitment to its security responsibilities.