DA misled South Africans about Bloemfontein Correctional Contract.

The Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Jahno Engelbrecht recently made allegations against the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, claiming that Minister Ronald Lamola terminated the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) contract with Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC).

However, we want to refute these statements as they are baseless and fabricated. There has been no such termination, and Engelbrecht’s statement is untrue. On May 02, 2023, the DCS issued a termination notice to BCC, which remains in force until all the relevant procedures are concluded.

There has never been any decision or intention to undermine the relevant procedures and processes. Both parties will pursue this process until it is concluded in accordance with the concession contract as per the court’s order.

Despite our repeated statements before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services regarding our readiness to take over the Mangaung Correctional Centre following the termination notice period, Engelbrecht has inexpiably issued a misleading statement to undermine our efforts.

However, we remain unwavering in our commitment to carrying out the termination notice transparently and within the bounds of the law, in accordance with our obligations under the concession contract.

We want to assure everyone that outside influences or parties will not sway us from our commitment to ensuring a fair and just process. The Department of Correctional Services is in a position to take over the facility any time after the termination, and we will do so when the time is right.

Media enquiries:

Chrispin Phiri – Ministry Spokesperson

Cell: 081 781 2261

Source: Government of South Africa