Inmates at the Boksburg Correctional Facility allegedly started a fire to prevent officials from entering a cell to confiscate a cellphone.
This incident has drawn significant attention to the ongoing efforts by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to curb lawlessness in South African prisons. On the evening in question, no inmate sustained injuries, though some were treated for smoke inhalation.
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The DCS, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has been conducting nationwide raids to prevent illegal activities within correctional facilities.
These efforts intensified after a video surfaced of an inmate at Goodwood Correctional Centre bragging about his comfortable life. In response, officials raided several facilities, including Westville Correctional Centre and Boksburg Correctional Facility, confiscating cellphones, drugs, and money.
Makgothi Thobakgale, National Commissioner of the DCS, condemned the actions of the Boksburg inmates. He stated, “Such inconsiderate and disrespectful behaviour will never be acceptable or tolerated.”
Thobakgale emphasized that searching and seizing contraband is a routine procedure crucial for the safety of all inmates and officials. A case of arson and malicious damage to state property has been registered, and the DCS is conducting an internal investigation to identify and charge all offenders involved.
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In a video shared by the DCS, Commissioner Thobakgale explained various methods inmates use to smuggle contraband. Often, inmates acquire items like cellphones during court appearances, hiding them inside their bodies, making detection challenging without high-tech equipment.
The DCS has also observed an increase in smuggling attempts by inmates’ families and friends during visitation hours.
