The department promised to take action against hundreds of its officials implicated in contraband smuggling. A total of 312 cases were administered, and 266 have been finalised. Some officials were disciplined and some dismissed.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday (2/2), correctional services national commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale said more than 8,000 cell phones were confiscated nationwide between December and January as part of Operation Vala.

The Free State/Northern Cape region, as well as the Eastern Cape, recorded the highest volume of sharpened objects, counterfeit currency, and mandrax tablets. Meanwhile, North West contributed significantly to drug seizures.

“The department is continuing investigations into the channels used to smuggle electronic devices into high-security zones,” said Thobakgale. “Inmates were found in possession of dangerous weapons, posing a significant threat to facility safety.

“A sum of 3,144 sharpened objects was removed from facilities. The Eastern Cape and Free State/Northern Cape regions recorded the highest volumes of seized sharpened objects, indicating elevated security risks in these regions.”

Of the 8,000 cell phones seized during the raids, Gauteng was the primary hotspot for smuggled devices. More than R100,000 was confiscated from inmates during the period, he said.

The commissioner explained contraband is brought in by visitors, while officials also smuggle. Visitors who attempt to bring illegal items into correctional facilities during visits are detected, arrested, and have criminal cases opened against them. Errant officials face similar consequences. 

Overcrowding

South Africa’s prisons remain under strain due to overcrowding. More than 170,000 new inmates were arrested over the festive season.

“The department has an approved bed capacity of just over 107,000. This means that the inmate population far exceeds available accommodation,” said Thobakgale.

“We are more than 150% overcrowded in almost all our facilities. No facility in this country is managing less than 50% of its approved population.”

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