Parolee Jailed After Smuggling Dagga And Phone Bust Into Standerton Prison For A Friend

A 31-year-old man who was out on parole has landed himself back in jail after attempting to smuggle contraband into Standerton Correctional Centre in Mpumalanga.

The incident unfolded on Sunday, 18 January 2026, when the man arrived at the facility to visit a friend who was already incarcerated. Instead of leaving after the visit, he was arrested and placed in custody at the same correctional centre.

The suspect is now facing criminal charges and is being detained alongside the very inmate he had come to see.

Dagga And Cellphone Found Hidden In Parolee’s Food Parcel

Correctional officials uncovered the illegal items during a routine inspection of food brought into the prison.

Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the visitor had arrived with groceries intended for his friend.

“During the visit, the suspect brought food items, and upon inspection, officials discovered a plastic bag containing dagga and a cellphone concealed inside a packet of instant porridge,” said Ndubane.

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The man was immediately detained at the facility and later charged with possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice.

“He subsequently joined his friend in custody, no longer as a visitor, but as an inmate,” Ndubane added.

The accused appeared before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 January 2026.

Police Issue Warning After Smuggling Attempt Foiled

The arrest prompted a firm response from senior police officials in Mpumalanga.

Acting provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended correctional officers for their alertness in stopping the smuggling attempt.

He also issued a warning to those who may consider similar actions.

“Anyone attempting to smuggle illegal items into prison cells will face the full might of the law for their ill-informed choices,” he warned.

Authorities say strict monitoring will continue at correctional facilities to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items.

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