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Minister Groenewald Halts Controversial Prison Transfer of Gang Leader

CAPE TOWN – In a decisive move, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has intervened to stop the prison transfer of George 'Geweld' Thomas, the infamous leader of the 28s gang, to Helderstroom Prison in the Western Cape, following significant community backlash.

According to South African Government News Agency, the decision came after community leaders expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with having Thomas in close proximity to local communities. Thomas, who is serving a 175-year sentence for a string of serious crimes, including seven counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder and racketeering, was originally slated for transfer to a facility that many believed would jeopardize public safety.

In response to these fears, Minister Groenewald assured the public that the department is committed to ongoing collaboration with communities to refine the correctional system and enhance its positive impact, especially in areas vulnerable to gang influences. Furthermore, the department has redirected Thomas to an alternative maximum-security facility and is conducting an urgent review to ascertain the reasons behind the planned transfer, which has been deemed irregular.

Moreover, Minister Groenewald met with representatives from the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition on Tuesday to discuss community concerns and explore further strategies to mitigate the impact of gang activities in affected areas. The department's statement emphasized the importance of community engagement in managing and preventing gang-related violence within the region.