Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald has assured members of Parliament that the crackdown on the smuggling of cellphones and contraband in prisons is on course and yielding results.
Addressing MPs during the tabling of his department’s budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Groenewald said officials of the Department of Correctional Services had conducted 1 406 raids at facilities across the country, leading to the confiscation of some 37 500 cellphones and contraband.
“During the last budget debate, I committed to more unannounced visits and raids, and we have met that promise,” the minister said.
“In the previous budget vote, I announced that 466 raids had been conducted. From then, we have significantly expanded our efforts, increasing the number of raids to 1 406 – a 200% increase. This resulted in the confiscation of more than 37 500 cell phones and other contraband.”
The minister dismissed notions that the raids showed “operational failures” in the system, emphasising that results “serve as evidence of a more aggressive security strategy”.
“The large-scale confiscations and frequent raids demonstrate our increased control over internal threats. Let me be clear; we are effectively purging our prisons of illegal activities. Those involved in smuggling should understand their days are numbered, Groenewald warned.
Corrupt officials to be dealt with
The minister also did not mince his words in condemning prisons officials who abet illegal activities.
“Failure to confront those who betray their duties endangers the many honourable officials working in dangerous conditions. Officials committed to integrity, who stand firm against criminal organisations within our facilities, often face threats, intimidation, or violence.”
Groenewald emphasised the department’s “zero-tolerance approach against officials who undermine the Department’s integrity”.
“Discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable.
“A total of 2 388 officials were subjected to disciplinary hearings during the reporting period, of which 2 138 cases have been finalised. This reflects progress in improving the efficiency of disciplinary processes and reinforcing a culture of accountability within the department.
“Of the 2 388 cases, 137 officials were involved in contraband-related misconduct,” the minister said.
The minister acknowledged that the department is facing challenges but vowed to continue to “fortify the department, reaffirm our constitutional obligations, and uphold justice throughout South Africa”.
“The challenges before us are undeniable. Our system is under strain. But we will continue to deliver on our mandate as the Department of Correctional Services, Groenewald added.
- Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald reported 1,406 raids in prisons nationwide, confiscating over 37,500 cellphones and contraband, marking a 200% increase since the last budget debate.
- These intensified raids are part of a more aggressive security strategy aimed at eliminating illegal activities and smuggling within correctional facilities.
- The minister condemned corrupt prison officials involved in smuggling, highlighting that 2,388 officials faced disciplinary hearings, with 137 implicated in contraband-related misconduct.
- The department maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct among staff.
- Despite ongoing challenges, the department is committed to strengthening the system, upholding constitutional obligations, and ensuring justice in South Africa’s prisons.
Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald has assured members of Parliament that the crackdown on the smuggling of cellphones and contraband in prisons is on course and yielding results.
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“In the previous budget vote, I announced that 466 raids had been conducted. From then, we have significantly expanded our efforts, increasing the number of raids to 1 406 – a 200% increase.
“
“Failure to confront those who betray their duties endangers the many honourable officials working in dangerous conditions. Officials committed to integrity, who stand firm against criminal organisations within our facilities, often face threats, intimidation, or violence."
Groenewald emphasised the department’s “zero-tolerance approach against officials who undermine the Department’s integrity”.
“Discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable.
“A total of 2 388 officials were subjected to disciplinary hearings during the reporting period, of which 2 138 cases have been finalised.
“Of the 2 388 cases, 137 officials were involved in contraband-related misconduct,” the minister said.
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