Latest news with #SingabakhoNxumalo

The Herald
16-07-2025
- The Herald
Operations resume at Pollsmoor prison after stabbing, two-week lockdown
Operations at Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town are back to normal after a two-week lockdown triggered by the stabbing of a prison warder by an inmate on June 27, the department of correctional services (DCS) has confirmed. DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the incident at the remand detention facility (RDF) prompted the immediate suspension of visitations and restricted access to the prison as officials worked to stabilise the situation. The lockdown was necessary to help manage the incident and assist the investigation. 'The lockdown serves as a practical approach to aid the department in monitoring the situation and to assist with the investigation which is under way,' he said. While the RDF was affected, Nxumalo clarified that operations at the medium A, medium B, medium C and female centre were not disrupted.

IOL News
10-07-2025
- IOL News
Beware of impersonation scam targeting public over correctional services learnerships
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a scam perpetrated by an individual falsely claiming to be Mr S Nxumalo, the official spokesperson for the department. Reports indicate that this impostor is using the TrueCaller application to contact unsuspecting citizens, soliciting payments for so-called learnership opportunities and the collection of uniforms. In a statement released by the DCS, it was made clear that Mr Singabakho Nxumalo does not engage in any recruitment processes nor does he solicit, facilitate, or receive any payments relating to learnerships or employment. The department is adamant that any calls from someone merely identifying as 'S Nxumalo' should raise immediate suspicion and should not be entertained by the recipient.

The Herald
09-07-2025
- The Herald
Crystal meth and cellphones found in raid at Kgosi Mampuru Prison
Officials discovered crystal meth and cellphones at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria on Tuesday evening. Correctional services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale is leading a surprise raid at the prison. The department of correctional services previously said that the raids are part of a broader, uncompromising campaign to rid correctional centres of contraband and eliminate criminal networks from within. It said that while removing illegal items is the key focus, equal attention is being given to preventing their entry in the first place. On Sunday, the department led a raid at Baviaanspoort correctional centre after intelligence indicated that a group of inmates had phones and were actively scamming members of the public. Thobakgale led a specialised team and the raid resulted in the confiscation of several phones and other contraband items. According to the department's spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, investigations revealed that inmates had created sophisticated hideout spots within their cells to conceal the devices. 'What is more alarming is that these illicit activities were carried out in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about lapses in vigilance and continuous monitoring by officials. This glaring security breach has prompted the national commissioner to demand a full report from the centre's management, explaining how such activities could have occurred on their watch,' Nxumalo said. He said as part of the immediate corrective action, all identified inmates involved in the scams have been transferred to the maximum-security unit (C-max) at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. Forensic analysis will be conducted on the confiscated mobile phones to trace the extent of the scam and assist in any further legal processes. TimesLIVE

The Herald
17-05-2025
- The Herald
Parolee arrested for kidnapping, raping nine-year-old in Cape Town
A parolee who served time for rape has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and raping a nine-year-old girl in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The suspect was sentenced to 25 years in jail for rape and indecent assault in 2008. He was placed on parole in November 2024. Correctional services department (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo on Friday confirmed the man's arrest in connection with the rape of a young girl in Hanover Park. The child was found in the suspect's house during a frantic search by the community on Wednesday. 'The individual appeared in court under [a certain name],' said Nxumalo. 'However, DCS records identify him [under a different name]. Community corrections officials have since verified his identity and confirmed he is a parolee under supervision of the Cape Town community corrections office. [He] was sentenced on March 13 2008 to 25 years' imprisonment for rape and indecent assault.' Nxumalo said after serving the minimum portion of his sentence at Voorberg Correctional Centre the man was released on parole. 'His parole period was scheduled to run until May 22 2044.' Nxumalo said after the man's court appearance on Friday, the department would initiate the process of revoking his parole. 'This will be concluded within the prescribed 14-day period, in line with DCS internal procedures. 'The developments are gravely concerning. The department has launched an internal investigation to review and assess the effectiveness of monitoring measures applied during his parole.' TimesLIVE


The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Visitor arrested for attempting to smuggle tablets
The Department of Correctional Services has condemned the recent alleged attempt to smuggle 30 Mandrax tablets into Modderbee Correctional Centre. This follows the discovery that a 36-year-old was in possession of the drugs at the main entrance while attempting to visit the facility. According to Correctional Services national spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the contraband was confiscated by an official during a search at the access control point. 'Our commitment to maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities is unwavering. Enhanced security measures are part of our ongoing efforts to protect our communities, officials, and inmates in our facilities. 'Our efforts to curb smuggling and improve inmate discipline are ongoing, and we will continue to adapt and improve our strategies,' said Nxumalo. Also Read: Man arrested for possession of Mandrax Also Read: More than 100 suspects arrested At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!