By Everson Luhanga
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has announced its intention to terminate its contract with the Bloemfontein Correctional Services (BCC), the company responsible for managing the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Departmental spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the decision to terminate the contract follows recent legal opinion sought by Correctional Services on BCC’s competence and suitability to continue as the organisation responsible for management.
The DCS has concluded that BCC falls short on both counts.
“As per the agreement, a termination notice of 90 days has been served on BCC. Once this period is up, the contract will cease to operate,” said Nxumalo, in a statement released on Tuesday.
The DCS has already begun an internal exercise to take over the management of the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The contract lays out a procedure to be followed in this regard, and the DCS is expected to follow it.
This development is expected to have significant implications for the Mangaung Correctional Centre and its inmates.
It remains to be seen how the DCS will address the challenges posed by this sudden change in management.
Pictured above: Mangaung Correctional Centre
