Correctional services national commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale emphasised combating contraband in correctional facilities requires a collective effort, as corrections is a societal responsibility. The search formed part of the department’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the smuggling, possession and distribution of prohibited items, which undermine security, compromise the safety of officials and offenders, and obstruct effective rehabilitation.

During the operation, officials confiscated 20 cellphones, 40 packets of nyaope, six Mandrax tablets, 15 USB devices, one solar panel, one ball of dagga, three homemade speakers, one radio, 37 SIM cards, three cellphone batteries and one pair of scissors.

Thobakgale highlighted the role cooperation between offenders can play in facilitating criminal activities, pointing to the number of foreign nationals housed in the management area.

“We have around 599 or so, more than 500 foreign nationals in a management area. This is a management area that houses just about 2,000 offenders and now you have 599 foreign nationals, now that in itself is a factor.

“When you go from cell to cell doing searches, what you find is a phone on a South African and its used by a South African and a foreign national. Them working together in that manner also prevents crime initiatives.”

The commissioner urged members of the public to refrain from supplying offenders with prohibited items or engaging in activities that facilitate the entry of contraband into correctional facilities. He warned individuals found to be involved in such activities could face arrest and criminal prosecution.

Thobakgale also issued a stern warning to correctional services officials against participating in the smuggling or distribution of contraband, stressing those found guilty of such misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action and could also be subjected to criminal prosecution.

The department’s continued operations aim to strengthen security within correctional facilities, prevent criminal activities and create an environment conducive to rehabilitation.

The commissioner reiterated that tackling contraband requires cooperation from correctional services officials, offenders and members of the public to ensure that prohibited items do not find their way into correctional facilities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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