Latest news with #SamuelThobakgale
The South African
07-07-2025
- The South African
Inmates scam the public from prison: Phones seized in surprise raid
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. 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. 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. 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.
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
270 correctional services employees to line up for Comrades Marathon
Exercise improves focus and productivity at work, says national correctional services commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale. An avid runner, he shared his good wishes to the 270 departmental staff participating in the Comrades Marathon, which will start in Pietermaritzburg and end in Durban this weekend. He is hoping for a strong performance and will attend the event to cheer on the team.
