New Prison Break at Pollsmoor Amid Parliamentary Discussions on Bester's Escape

A new prison break has raised significant concerns about security measures at South Africa's correctional facilities. Yanga Wayithi, a 35-year-old inmate, escaped from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre this Tuesday, confirmed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Wayithi was serving a six-month term for theft and trespassing and was part of a work team maintaining the facility grounds at the time of his escape.

Police have launched a manhunt for a prisoner who escaped from Pollsmoor Prison in the Western Cape.#news #crime #PrisonEscape #SAPS #westerncape #Pollsmoorprison #correctionalservices
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— IOL News (@IOL) February 11, 2025

This incident coincides with a parliamentary briefing by the DCS on implementing reforms recommended by the Public Protector after Thabo Bester's notorious escape from Mangaung Correction Centre in 2022. Bester, known as the Facebook rapist, had previously evaded high-security containment under dramatic circumstances, bringing to light severe systemic failures within correctional services management. Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, in her October findings, criticized the undue delays in the management of Bester's escape and called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent similar incidents.

As Wayithi remains at large, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of escape from lawful custody and is working alongside DCS’ tracing teams to ensure his swift rearrest. The DCS has also initiated an internal investigation to unearth the escape's specifics and to decide requisite actions to fortify containment measures.

The Public Protector's recent recommendations urge the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, to formulate effective escape prevention strategies and guidelines specifically for the Mangaung Correctional Centre, and broadly for all national facilities. Among these, establishing a reliable system for addressing anonymous reports through the Public Service Commission’s Hotline as per the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000, is expected to enhance internal accountability and security.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as authorities press on with the manhunt. This incident not only questions the operational integrity of South African correctional facilities but also emphasizes the critical need for swift and transparent action in reinforcing security protocols as mandated by both the Public Protector and national law.