Dear Editor
The DA has written to the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu to confirm whether his Department has been informed of the possible disappearance of Me-Kayle Timmie and Mikyle Mentoor – two convicted offenders who, according to a High Court order, should be detained at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre until at least October 2025.
It has now been almost a week since a DA oversight visit to Pollsmoor revealed that officials could not account for either individual. Despite this, no confirmation has been issued by the Minister of Correctional Services, nor has any response been received to the DA’s formal letter sent to him on 14 May.
The Minister’s silence is troubling, particularly in light of the fact that Xolani Du Preez, a third offender who was subject to the same court order, was only re-admitted to Pollsmoor on 22 April after allegedly committing a robbery in Table View.
That incident – and Du Preez’s return to Pollsmoor – should have triggered immediate concern within the Department and prompted a review of the whereabouts of all three individuals.
The fact that this was ignored and not brought to the attention of the Minister points to a serious breakdown in communication between Correctional Services senior management and the Ministry. It is deeply concerning that the Department has failed to acknowledge or act upon such a critical lapse in inmate tracking and compliance with court orders.
If Timmie and Mentoor have indeed been released, Minister Groenewald should have confirmed this by now and explained what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of victims and the South African public.
The DA will continue to push for full transparency and accountability. A correctional system that cannot reliably confirm the presence or absence of sentenced prisoners is a system in crisis.
Regards
Nicholas Gotsell MP
DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice