GEORGE NEWS - Several contraband items, including cellphones, charger cables, sharpened objects and dagga, were confiscated during some search operations at the George Correctional Centre last week.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed these operations formed part of a co-ordinated security campaign conducted across all six regions.
The operation in George was supported by local police units. Similar raids were carried out at the Mossel Bay Youth Centre and Oudtshoorn Medium A during the same period, where additional unauthorised items were removed.
These searches are part of the DCS's routine security operations aimed at preventing the smuggling and use of contraband inside correctional centres.
According to the department, facilities that house awaiting-trial inmates, such as the George Correctional Centre, are particularly vulnerable to the influx of illegal items due to the frequent movement of detainees between courts and prison.
In response to an enquiry from George Herald, the DCS confirmed that illegal items are indeed frequently found during these operations, despite strict regulations. The department attributes many of these smuggling incidents to detainees returning from court appearances.
George Herald had noticed that notices banning the delivery of parcels to detainees at the magistrate's courts were posted in court halls late in 2024. This seems to be a preventative measure following several such incidents.
The DCS further acknowledged that, in some cases, officials have been implicated in the smuggling of contraband. Criminal charges are laid against any official caught facilitating or benefitting from such activity, and internal disciplinary steps are taken as well. Following every raid, the department undertakes further investigations to trace the source of the contraband, particularly when found in the possession of a specific inmate.
The department has also urged community members to avoid becoming complicit in these acts, warning that anyone caught attempting to smuggle items into facilities during visits could face criminal charges themselves.
Adding to the challenges faced by the George Correctional Centre is the issue of overcrowding. The DCS confirmed that the Southern Cape Management Area currently has the highest overcrowding rate in the Western Cape region. As a result, officials in the region are expected to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures to ensure the security and effective management of facilities.
"Correctional centres must be institutions of rehabilitation, not breeding grounds for criminal activity," said Candice van Reenen, the DCS's spokesperson. "We urge members of the public to blow the whistle on any criminal behaviour linked to our centres."
The series of high-level search operations were led nationally by DCS Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, who personally oversaw a raid at Pollsmoor Prison's Remand Detention Facility on Wednesday 16 July.
Groenewald vows to intensify raids
In his budget vote speech to the National Assembly on 1 July, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald vowed to intensify raids and root out corruption in South Africa's prisons.
Over the past year, 466 raids have led to the confiscation of 33 874 cellphones, 20 577 sharpened objects, 232kg of drugs and over R394 000 in cash.
Groenewald warned that crime syndicates operating behind bars continue to harm vulnerable communities by orchestrating serious crimes from within correctional centres.
He stressed the urgent need to remove illegal items, especially cellphones, which are used to co-ordinate criminal activity.
Disciplinary action has also been taken against corrupt officials: 515 received final warnings, 181 were suspended without pay, and 146 were dismissed.
Groenewald praised law-abiding staff who resist gang influence, often at personal risk, and assured them of the department's full support. Unannounced inspections and firm consequences for misconduct are central to his plan to restore safety and integrity in the prison system.
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