DA wants discussion with ministers on implementation of anti-smuggling measures in prisons
The DA has written to the chairperson of the select committee on security and justice, requesting an urgent joint meeting to address these criminal activities within the country’s prison system.
FILE: Contraband confiscated from inmates at the Johannesburg (Sun City) prison on 24 July 2024. Photo: Abigail Javier/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for a sit-down with the police and correctional services ministers to discuss the implementation of anti-smuggling measures in prisons.
Illegal access to contraband, including drugs, weapons, and cell phones, are common in prison.
In a recent incident, a Pollsmoor prison warden was suspended for allowing an inmate to record a TikTok video using cell phone.
The DA has written to the chairperson of the select committee on security and justice, requesting an urgent joint meeting to address these criminal activities within the country’s prison system.
The party said the reactive steps taken by the Department of Correctional Services was not enough, and that illicit contraband enabled gang activities within prisons.
The DA’s Nicholas Gotsell said he was alarmed by the growing evidence of police involvement in smuggling syndicates.
Meanwhile, Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald has responded, encouraging the discussion.
He said the department was taking steps to address the presence of illegal contraband in prisons.
"The Department of Correctional Services and the police are working together to conduct raids at various facilities and will continue this partnership moving forward."
Groenewald added that they were committed to eradicating unlawful activities and crimes in prisons.