Kimberley Correctional Services official arrested for drug smuggling

A CORRECTIONAL Services official, employed in the education unit at the Tswelopele Correctional Centre in Kimberley, has been suspended for allegedly smuggling contraband substances into the facility.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the 53-year-old official was arrested after he was found in possession of mandrax tablets during a routine search at the correctional facility on May 21.

“The suspect appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on May 23 and was granted bail of R1,000. The Kimberley SAPS are investigating a case of drug possession. He is expected to reappear in court on July 7. The investigation continues,” said Kock.

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed this week that the official had been suspended for allegedly smuggling prohibited items into the facility.

This incident follows a separate case earlier this month involving another Correctional Services official from the Tswelopele Correctional Centre, who was charged with rape.

In a further unrelated matter, a high-ranking official in the Department of Correctional Services in Kimberley was suspended in April after rape charges were laid against him by a subordinate.