A raid by correctional services officials and police resulted in the seizure of numerous contraband including cellphones at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City. Picture: Screengrab/Newzroom Afrika
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Correctional Services officers seized numerous contraband, including PlayStation consoles, mobile phones, and television sets during a raid at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City. The raid was led by Department of Correctional Services head, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale. Thobakgale emphasized the need for correctional services officials to provide answers and tighten security, especially around movements to court, hospitals, and inside the centre.
Overcrowding in prisons across South Africa is contributing to the problem of contraband. Offenders often hide contraband in objects where they wouldn't expect, such as television sets or containers used for bathing or toiletries. The Department of Correctional Services will initiate disciplinary proceedings in line with its policies and legal procedures.
Thomakgale has welcomed the arrest of two officials based at Ermelo correctional facility for attempting to smuggle dagga and a mobile phone with accessories. They were caught during a surprise search as they reported for duty at 6.55am on Wednesday. The South African Police Service (SAPS) processed the two officials, who are now facing criminal charges. The department will initiate disciplinary proceedings in line with its policies and legal procedures.
Thobakgale commended the Department of Correctional Services' team for their vigilance and professionalism and emphasized the department's commitment to enhance security protocols while ensuring adherence to strict ethical guidelines. This incident underscores the department's commitment to maintaining integrity and security within correctional facilities and ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities in the correctional system.
Last week, IOL reported that money, cellphones, and dagga pipes were among the contraband confiscated from inmates during a raid at the Goodwood Correctional Centre in Western Cape.
