Acting on intelligence about a scam operation run by inmates, National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale personally led a weekend raid at Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre. Also, the surprise raid uncovered several mobile phones and other contraband, with officials discovering “sophisticated hideout spots” used to conceal the devices inside prison cells.
“What is most alarming is that these illicit activities were carried out in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about lapses in vigilance and continuous monitoring by officials,” the department stated.
Prison inmates were moved to maximum security
Following the raid, authorities transferred all implicated inmates to the maximum-security unit (C-Max) at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. A forensic analysis of the seized devices is also underway to assess the scam’s full extent and aid further legal action.
Furthermore, Thobakgale has demanded an urgent report from Baviaanspoort’s management explaining how the scam could occur undetected.
“This glaring security breach has prompted the National Commissioner to demand a full report from the centre’s management,” the department confirmed.
Crackdown on Internal Criminal Networks
The Department of Correctional Services has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on contraband and internal criminal activity. Additionally, ongoing raids aim to dismantle illicit operations within prisons and stop illegal items from entering facilities.
“While removing illegal items is a key focus, equal attention is being given to preventing their entry in the first place. Any official found to be complicit in smuggling will face the full might of the law, with no leniency afforded,” the department warned.
Thobakgale has instructed the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre to develop and submit a detailed plan to address the operational failings that enabled the incident.
Should stricter monitoring measures be introduced in all prisons to stop similar scams from happening again?
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