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The Herald
5 days ago
- The Herald
Phone found in Meyiwa accused's cell prompted C-Max transfer: DCS
The department of correctional services (DCS) has dismissed allegations of maltreatment made by Fisokuhle Ntuli, one of five men on trial for the murder of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. Ntuli had accused officials at the C-Max high-security section of Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria of abusing him. DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Ntuli's claims were baseless and appeared to be part of a growing trend by inmates to manipulate the system and avoid accountability for their actions. Nxumalo said that during a search operation on July 8 led by national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, Ntuli was found in possession of a mobile phone — an item strictly prohibited in correctional facilities. 'A security official, present during the search, questioned the inmate about the device, to which he admitted ownership and confirmed usage. The search was conducted in a professional and orderly manner, and at no point was the inmate subjected to torture or any form of ill-treatment. The offender fully complied with officials throughout the process,' he said. Nxumalo said the confiscated phone was handed over to the police for forensic downloading and further investigation. Based on the offender's conduct and associated risk profile, Nxumalo said he was reclassified and subsequently transferred to the C-Max facility, in line with existing correctional procedures. Nxumalo said the department had observed a recurring narrative where offenders resorted to false allegations in an attempt to evade disciplinary consequences or to secure transfers to other centres. 'Correctional services is governed by strict standard operating procedures and a clear legislative framework that promotes humane treatment, rehabilitation and secure custody. Being in possession of a mobile phone inside a correctional facility constitutes a serious violation. 'It is unacceptable for any offender to deflect blame by concocting stories in an attempt to escape consequences. Inmates are expected to respect the code of conduct and behave in a manner befitting their rehabilitation journey,' he said. Nxumalo said attempts to weaponise human rights discourse to shield oneself from the consequences of wrongdoing was not only dishonest but an insult to the principles of justice and fairness. 'Correctional services will not be deterred in its duty to ensure discipline, safety and the upholding of the rule of law within its facilities,' he said. TimesLIVE
The South African
17-07-2025
- The South African
Surprise Pollsmoor Prison raid leads to shocking discovery
A surprise raid at Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town has exposed alarming levels of contraband, including cellphones, drugs, and evidence of gang communication, raising fresh concerns about corruption and security lapses within South Africa's prison system. The operation, led by Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, took place on Wednesday evening and is part of a nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing gang influence behind bars. 'Just over 450 inmates were transported between courts and this prison on Wednesday alone,' Thobakgale said, citing inmate transfers as a major security risk. Among the most shocking discoveries was a hollowed-out brick used by an inmate to hide six cellphones. The inmate has since been relocated. Investigators also found a phone containing WhatsApp messages linking a prisoner to a gang member outside the facility. Authorities are withholding further information as the investigation continues. 53 cellphones 210 bags of marijuana Mandrax pills Unauthorised chargers An illegal television The sweep also revealed unsanitary conditions, malfunctioning lights, broken taps, and illegal electrical connections in various parts of the facility. Pollsmoor, built to accommodate 4 336 inmates, is currently overcrowded with 6 700 prisoners, according to Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo. The high volume of inmates, paired with staffing challenges and crumbling infrastructure, presents serious hurdles to maintaining order. Commissioner Thobakgale admitted that corrupt prison officials are a key factor in the smuggling of prohibited items, stating: 'We are aware that contraband enters through various means, including being smuggled inside body cavities, wrapped in plastic. We need stricter enforcement and greater accountability among staff.' This operation follows a violent incident last month, where a warder was stabbed by an inmate, triggering a partial lockdown of the prison. Similar raids have recently been conducted at Odi Correctional Centre and Kgosi Mampuru Prison as part of a broader effort to dismantle gang networks within correctional facilities. Thobakgale emphasised the importance of cutting off inmate communication with the outside world to undermine gang structures. He said this is critical to restoring control in prisons that have become breeding grounds for organised crime. Location: Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town Inmates vs Capacity: 6 700 vs 4 336 6 700 vs 4 336 Contraband Seized: Phones, drugs, weapons, TV Phones, drugs, weapons, TV Investigation: Ongoing; gang communication discovered Ongoing; gang communication discovered National Context: Similar raids underway across SA prisons Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
