A surprise search at the Klerksdorp Correctional Facility led by Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has resulted in a haul of contraband such as cellphones, drugs, weapons,cash and other prohibited items.
Officials searched inmates, beds, pillows, and other possessions during the raid on Tuesday. The prison, which borders the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West regions, houses offenders convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape and robbery.
During the raid, officials also found makeshift entertainment gadgets such as speakers. A video shared by the department showed some contraband hidden inside overhead lights. Police confiscated 20 cellphones, 40 packets of nyaope, six Mandrax tablets, 15 USB devices, three sharp objects, a solar panel, a ball of dagga, three homemade speakers, a radio, 37 SIM cards, three cellphone batteries and a pair of scissors.
South Africans urged not to supply prisoners with contraband
The Correctional Services Department said the latest raid is part of the department’s effort to stop smuggling, possession and distribution of prohibited items. The smuggling of these items undermined security and compromised the safety of officials and offenders.
The department added that fighting contraband smuggling required a collective effort, and urged members of the public not to supply inmates with prohibited items. It also warned officials that participating in the smuggling or supply of contraband could lead to disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution.
“The department will continue to intensify security operations and strengthen measures to prevent the entry of prohibited items into correctional facilities. These efforts are aimed at maintaining secure correctional environments, protecting the safety of officials and offenders, and upholding the integrity of the correctional system,” it said.
IOL News