GQEBERHA - The Correctional Services Department has denied allegations that televangelist Timothy Omotoso was offered perks during his years in custody.
This follows an eNCA's exclusive interview with former policeman, Phindile Zweni, who revealed that the Nigerian pastor used his power and money to get away with some serious crimes.
Phindile Zweni, who was part of the investigating team that led to the televangelist's arrest, further alleged that Timothy Omotoso lived a lavish lifestyle in prison.
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But during a media briefing on Friday, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, dismissed these allegations.
He said regular operational visits are conducted at correctional centres across the country.
These visits are not merely procedural but crucial for ensuring that all centres operate in full compliance with the Correctional Services Act, the commissioner explained.
"They provide me with an opportunity to engage directly with the realities on the ground, assess operational challenges, and address concerns affecting our facilities, officials, and inmates alike," he said.
Thobakgale affirmed that operational coherence, vigilance, and accountability are not optional, but essential.
Further damming allegations by Zweni were that Omotoso was planning to escape from custody.
He said, "At one stage, a firearm was intercepted on its way to Omotoso because he wanted to escape what happened after that we don't know but I was the one that informed the commissioner at St Albans'."
But Thobakgale says there were no firearms smuggled into the facility and dubbed this as lies.