Cape Town - The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition has welcomed the decision to move alleged 28s gang boss George “Geweld” Thomas from Helderstroom Prison amid fears of a gang war.
The transfer of Thomas from the Ebongweni Prison in Kokstad to Helderstroom Prison, north of Caledon, last week, sparked concern as the coalition reached out to Correctional Services Minister, Pieter Groenewald, for intervention.
At the time, Llewellyn MacMaster of the organisation said they were deeply concerned about how he had been granted a transfer and the implications of his move.
They said Thomas had allegedly gained “supremacy” in his ranks and was now more powerful, which posed a threat in the already volatile gang wars scenario.
They indicated they had made a call to the authorities within the Department of Correctional Services and the police, and called on Groenewald to intervene.
In a statement released this week, the coalition said they were informed that Thomas had been moved again.
“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 31 July.
“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.”
Cape Argus