Surprise raid at Kgosi Mampuru prison exposes alleged graft by prison wardens
Led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, law enforcement officials swooped in on dozens of cells, searching for contraband.
Contraband found at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility during a surprise raid led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - A surprise raid has exposed alleged corruption by prison wardens at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility.
Led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, law enforcement officials swooped in on dozens of cells, searching for contraband.
The operation uncovered several packets of crystal meth and marijuana, dozens of cellphones, cartons of cigarettes, and even illegal electrical wiring hidden in light fittings.
Thobakgale has vowed to take action against officials found to be facilitating the trade in these illicit goods.
“Officials will have to explain how they allow that to happen. We have shifts that work in the day, and we have shifts that work in the night. So, there is no time within the 24-hour cycle where there’s no official.”