Edited by St Francis & Kouga chronicle : Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a top criminal mastermind suspect in South Africa, who is allegedly linked to top crimes, from theft to murder, is now locked up in the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.
This is according to the Department of Correctional Service, which announced his transferral from the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max), yesterday. 30 December. Cat is allegedly linked to syndicates responsible for the looting of +R2-billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, plus suspected for the attempted murder of his ex-lover, and the capture of some key law enforcement agency members,
“The safety and security of detainees, officials, and the broader correctional environment remain paramount,” the Department said. “Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence. The transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.
“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998… the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant. This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands.”
The Department of Correctional Services also said its core mandate is to ensure the safety and security of all facilities which are “conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes. “It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.
Owing to the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department has said it will not engage in public discussions, interviews or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer – source: sanews
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