MAKHANDA – A 47-year-old serving Correctional Services official has been arrested for allegedly conspiring to murder senior officials within the Department of Correctional Services, following a meticulous intelligence-driven investigation by the East London Serious Corruption Investigation unit under the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
According to Hawks spokesperson WO Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, on Wednesday 4 February they received classified intelligence information from Provincial Counter Intelligence relating to credible, imminent and targeted threats against senior management officials at the Waainek Correctional Centre in Makhanda.
“Given the seriousness of the intelligence and the potential implications for institutional stability, public safety and the rule of law, the matter was prioritised for immediate investigation,” he said.
“The reports indicated that the intended targets were the head of centre at the Waainek Correctional Centre and the unit manager at the same facility; both senior officials entrusted with the administration, discipline and security of the institution.”
Mhlakuvana added that the ensuing investigation revealed evidence implicating the suspect, a serving prison warden, in an alleged criminal conspiracy orchestrated from within the correctional environment.
Mhlakuvana further alleged that the suspect unlawfully communicated with an incarcerated individual via the WhatsApp messaging platform, during which detailed discussions were conducted regarding the planned assassination of identified correctional management officials.
“The investigation established that the suspect allegedly went beyond the articulation of threats and engaged in active planning and facilitation, including attempts to recruit hitmen and negotiations concerning financial payment estimated at R50 000 per target.”
Mhlakuvana added that the evidence presented indicated the existence of a concerted agreement to commit a serious violent crime, thereby satisfying the legal threshold for prosecution on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
“Upon consideration of the evidentiary dossier, a warrant of arrest was duly authorised on Friday 6 February,” he said.
“On the same date, at approximately 18:20, the team lawfully arrested the suspect at his residential address.”
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Makhanda Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9 February.
