Medication mix-ups, food safety fears rock Free State’s Grootvlei Prison

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised concerns over healthcare, food safety and staffing challenges at Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre following an oversight visit to the Mangaung facility. The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised concerns over conditions at theGrootvlei Maximum Correctional Centrein Mangaung after an oversight visit uncovered challenges relating to healthcare services, food safety measures and staff shortages. The facility, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,928 inmates and is currently operating at full capacity, was taken over by theDepartment of Correctional Services(DCS) on July 1, 2026, after 25 years under a public-private partnership managed by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC), which had contracted G4S to operate the centre.

During the visit, committee members raised concerns over healthcare services after inmates reported challenges relating to medication availability. Some inmates alleged that they had received incorrect medication, while others reported interruptions in the supply of chronic medication for up to three consecutive days. The committee said the allegations were a serious concern, as access to appropriate healthcare services remained a constitutional obligation within correctional facilities.

Committee chairpersonKgomotso Ramolobengsaid the committee was also concerned about the impact of the transition on former G4S employees who remained unemployed following the takeover. “We sympathise with the currently unemployed G4S employees and we are looking at other avenues to see how their matter can be resolved amicably. ”We have sought legal advice from Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office on the matter to better understand the legal implications and the committee’s oversight role,” Ramolobeng said.

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The committee also raised concerns after discovering that food samples for August 1, 2026 were unavailable during an inspection of the facility’s kitchen. Food samples are required to be retained for 72 hours as part of food safety and quality assurance measures. ”The absence of the required food samples and food tasting records undermines accountability and limits the ability to investigate any concerns relating to food quality or possible food-borne illnesses,” said Ramolobeng.

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