A large quantity of contraband was seized during the raid.

Thobakgale, who was speaking to SABC News during the late-night operation, said there would be consequences for prison officials overseeing sections where illegal items were found. He emphasised that managers must take full responsibility for the security breaches that allow contraband to enter correctional facilities.

“Where we find contraband, we must also find accountability,” he said. “Unit managers must answer for what is happening in their sections.”

The raid, part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit activities in correctional centres, uncovered a range of prohibited items, including narcotics such as Mandrax, dagga, and ecstasy. Several cellphones, sharp objects, and bottles of traditional beer were also confiscated during the operation.

Thobakgale said the department remains committed to restoring discipline, maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and correctional officers. He added that the use of technology and intelligence gathering would be intensified to prevent the smuggling of goods into facilities.

The raid comes amid growing concerns over the widespread availability of drugs and other illegal items in SA prisons, which are believed to fuel gang activity, violence, and corruption within the system.

“We are not just conducting raids for show. These are targeted operations that form part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks operating within our correctional facilities,” Thobakgale said.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--