Officials seize drugs and cellphones in Pollsmoor prison raid

Correctional Services officials, led by National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, carried out a surprise raid at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in the Western Cape on Saturday night.

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Authorities conducted the operation over the Easter weekend as part of a nationwide crackdown on contraband in prisons.

Search teams have already seized drugs, cellphones, chargers and sharp objects from several cells during the ongoing operation.

The raid follows earlier targeted searches this week at Johannesburg correctional facilities, where officials recovered 141 cellphones, illicit drugs and more than R7 000 in cash.

Ongoing challenges at Pollsmoor

Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison continues to face overcrowding and gang-related problems.

Inmates often use smuggled cellphones to maintain contact with criminal networks outside and coordinate illegal activities from inside the facility.

Teams from the Department of Correctional Services’ Emergency Support Team and the South African Police Service are continuing the raid.

Authorities have not yet released the total value of confiscated items or confirmed whether they have taken disciplinary action or recorded any injuries.

Crackdown aims to restore order

The Department of Correctional Services said it is intensifying operations to restore discipline in prisons.

It aims to disrupt gang networks and strengthen security across facilities.

Officials are expected to release further updates as the operation continues.

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