Minister of Correctional Services must account for failure in consequence management

2 September 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the ongoing smuggling of contraband into South African correctional facilities. A recent response to a parliamentary question has revealed that a mere 13 officials are currently under investigation for allegedly aiding and/or smuggling contraband into our prisons.

This figure is alarmingly low given the widespread reports of illegal items, including cell phones, PlayStations, televisions, and potentially more dangerous contraband like firearms and drugs, making their way into correctional facilities.

The DA believes that the Minister of Correctional Services must urgently be brought before the Portfolio Committee to account for the apparent failure in consequence management. Despite an increase in raids across prisons, there is little evidence to suggest that these efforts are translating into meaningful consequences for the officials who are either directly involved in or turning a blind eye to these activities. It is inconceivable that large items such as TVs and PlayStations could be smuggled into prisons without the complicity of officials.

The smuggling of contraband into prisons is not just a matter of inconvenience—it poses a serious threat to the safety and security of both inmates and staff, and it undermines the integrity of our correctional system. The fact that only 13 officials are under investigation across the entire country suggests a gross underestimation of the problem or, worse, an unwillingness to address it fully.

This is not the first time concerns about contraband smuggling have been raised. A parliamentary question in 2023 revealed that a staggering 37 000 cell phones were confiscated in 2022/23, with only 24 officials being disciplined for involvement in smuggling. If so many cell phones are being brought into prisons, one must question what other, more dangerous items are being smuggled in as well.

There are clear guidelines and strict protocols for what can be brought into and out of our prisons. The fact that contraband continues to slip through these checks indicates a massive failure in the system, particularly in the thoroughness of searches and inspections. Multiple checkpoints should be in place to intercept such items, and the fact that these checkpoints are failing suggests that officials may be involved or are, at the very least, neglecting their duties.

The DA calls on the Minister to ensure that those responsible for smuggling contraband, whether directly or indirectly, are held accountable. If an official is not doing their job, or worse, is assisting in illegal activities, their superior must also be held responsible. The integrity of our correctional services is at stake.

Issued by Janho Engelbrecht, DA Spokesperson on Correctional Services, 2 September 2024