The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition advocated for the relocation of George “Geweld” Thomas from Helderstroom Prison in the Western Cape.
The call for relocation stemmed from fears of a potential gang war outbreak.
Also read: Child murderer Lauren Dickason intends to appeal 18-year sentence
Last week, Thomas had been transferred from the Ebongweni Prison in Kwa-Zulu Natal to the Helderstroom Prison located north of Caledon in the Western Cape.
Upon hearing of this transfer, the coalition contacted Correctional Services Minister, Pieter Groenewald, to address their concerns.
The urgency of the matter stemmed from the coalition’s fears regarding the consequences of the perpetrator’s return to the Western Cape.
Thomas is reported to have sprung up in the ranks, increasing his status and influence. This posed a further threat to the already explosive gang war scene.
‘Mr Thomas is one of the most dangerous criminals in the country and his presence in the Western Cape would have serious consequences for the Cape Flats, causing violence on the streets of the City’ reports IOL.
The Daily Voice further reports that Thomas was sentenced to seven life sentences for a total of seven murders. He was sentenced to a further 175 years in prison for 52 other charges. The sentencing took place in 2015 while the crimes had been committed between the years of 2006 and 2010.
‘The Minister of Correctional Services intervened in the transfer of the leader of the 28s prison gang, George “Geweld” Thomas to the Helderstroom Prison. This intervention followed outcry from community leaders due to the high risk his presence would possibly pose in communities of the Western Cape’ stated the Department of Correctional Services in a media statement.
Upon intervention, Thomas has now been transferred to a secure C-Max facility, located in Pretoria.
Also read:
Koelenhof mourns four farmworkers who died from expired alcohol
Picture: Tim Photoguy / Unsplash