Siphiwe Dlamini
The Cape Crisis Coalition has expressed relief following the transfer of alleged 28s gang boss George “Geweld” Thomas from Helderstroom Prison, amid escalating concerns about a potential gang war on the Cape Flats.
Last week, the transfer of Thomas from Ebongweni Prison in Kokstad to Helderstroom Prison, located north of Caledon, raised alarms about possible violence. The coalition, in response, sought immediate intervention from Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald.
Llewellyn MacMaster, representing the coalition, articulated their deep worries regarding Thomas, a convicted murderer, being relocated by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). He highlighted the potential repercussions of Thomas’s move, emphasizing his growing influence and power, which could exacerbate the volatile gang situation in Cape Town.
“We are very concerned because we understand that the other prison gangs, 26 and 27, are being marshalled for a new war,”
MacMaster stated.
“This will also have consequences for the Cape Flats and will cause further violence on the streets of the city.”
The coalition called on the DCS, police, and Groenewald to take action. In a recent statement, the coalition confirmed that Thomas had been relocated to Gauteng.
“The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition alerted the Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, that the head of the 28-prison gang, George ‘Geweld’ Thomas had been transferred to Helderstroom Prison on Wednesday, 3 July,”
the statement read.
“The Coalition urged that Thomas be transferred with immediate effect to a secure prison facility. 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. We thank the Minister for the prompt response to our concerns. In less than 24 hours, Thomas was transferred to a secure C-Max facility, Kgosi Mampuru II in Pretoria, Gauteng.”
The DCS reiterated its policy of not publicizing inmate movements. Spokesperson Candice van Reenen commented,
“We have never issued any alert to that effect as we do not discuss placement of inmates nor their movements, if any.”
In 2015, Thomas was sentenced to seven life terms for seven murders, alongside an additional 175 years for 52 other crimes committed between 2006 and 2010. Notably, some of these murders were orchestrated while he was already incarcerated.
The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition recently met with Groenewald, and the minister is expected to release a statement regarding the situation soon.
By addressing this pressing issue, the Cape Crisis Coalition aims to mitigate further violence and maintain stability on the Cape Flats, ensuring the safety of its residents.
Who is George “Geweld” Thomas?
George “Geweld” Thomas is an alleged leader of the notorious 28s prison gang in South Africa. He has been a significant figure in the criminal underworld, particularly within the gang networks on the Cape Flats.
In 2015, Thomas was convicted of multiple serious crimes, including seven murders and various other charges, resulting in seven life sentences plus an additional 175 years.
His influence and activities have continued to be a concern for authorities and communities, particularly due to his ability to orchestrate criminal activities from within prison. His recent transfer to a more secure facility has been a measure to mitigate the risk of escalating gang violence.
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