Why Thabo Bester And ‘Cat’ Matlala Were Moved To eBongweni Super-Max Prison Over Security Risks

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that mounting security concerns led to the transfer of convicted murderer Thabo Bester and alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to a super-maximum security facility.

Both inmates were relocated from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria to the eBongweni Super-Maximum Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.

Matlala, who is facing attempted murder charges linked to his former partner Tebogo Thobejane, was transferred in December, while Bester was moved on 30 January.

Addressing the media on Monday, correctional services national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said the decision followed an extensive threat and risk assessment process carried out by the department.

“We conduct risk and threat assessments daily regarding our systems and every inmate accommodated in our facilities,” Thobakgale said.

Daily Risk Assessments Drove the Decision

Thobakgale explained that the department continuously evaluates security risks across all correctional facilities, with findings feeding into daily operational plans.

“This analysis becomes part of a daily security plan developed by each facility. The transfers of Matlala and Bester were directly informed by the findings.”

He stressed that decisive action is required when risks are identified.

“To prevent ongoing crime and mitigate the risks associated with those in our facilities, we must act promptly.”

While the commissioner did not disclose specific intelligence behind the move, he underlined that inmate safety and the integrity of the correctional system remain paramount.

“The decision was made for the safety of both inmates, and to ensure the security of the correctional system is not undermined by any activity associated with them,” he said.

Thabo Bester and ‘Cat’ Matlala Transfers Part of Routine Security Management

According to Thobakgale, inmate transfers are a standard administrative measure and not unusual within the correctional environment. He pointed to a recent case where an inmate was moved from the Eastern Cape to eBongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security.

Matlala’s legal representatives have reportedly challenged the transfer, arguing that the distance between the Johannesburg High Court and the Kokstad facility complicates legal consultations.

In response, Thobakgale said the department is willing to engage with Matlala’s lawyers, the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts to ensure court obligations are met.

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“We have been able to meet the obligation,” Thobakgale said, referring to Matlala’s recent appearance in a Johannesburg court.

“Our primary objective is to ensure he remains available for court. If we do not exercise our responsibilities as a security department, other risks arise. These measures ensure he is safely available for the legal process.”

He reiterated that security assessments clearly pointed to the need for stricter containment.

“That is why he was transferred to eBongweni, for his own safety and the safety of other inmates.”