Over 33,000 phones, 232kg of drugs seized in SA prisons – Groenewald declares war on corruption

In a determined move to reclaim South Africa’s correctional facilities from criminal networks, Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald has vowed to intensify raids and root out corruption within prisons.

Delivering his Department’s Budget Vote speech before the National Assembly on Tuesday, Groenewald revealed alarming figures from ongoing unannounced raids and outlined a zero-tolerance approach to illicit activities behind bars.

Minister Groenewald disclosed that in the past year alone, 466 raids were conducted in correctional centres across the country, resulting in massive confiscations.

“Since July 3, 2024, various smuggled items have been found and confiscated. These include 33,874 cell phones, 20,577 sharpened objects, and a total of 122,407 items related to alcohol and other substances, 232.16 kg of drugs and R394,450.40 worth of money,” he said.

Highlighting the threat posed by crime syndicates operating from inside prisons, Groenewald stressed that communities suffer when crimes are orchestrated behind bars.

“It is an evil that members of our communities, including the most vulnerable, suffer under horrendous crimes that are organised and committed from within our correctional facilities,” he said.

The Minister underscored the critical importance of removing illegal items such as cellphones from prisons to prevent further crimes from being coordinated externally.

“It is therefore important that we get illegal objects, such as cellphones, out of our facilities and prevent them from landing there,” he emphasised.

Raids, unannounced inspections, and disciplinary action against corrupt officials form part of Groenewald’s strategy to restore order and integrity in the system. Over the past year, he reported, 515 officials received final written warnings, 181 were suspended without pay, and 146 were dismissed.

“When we fail to act against the few who betray their duty, we expose the many who serve with honour amidst grave danger,” Groenewald said.

The Minister also highlighted the courage of honest officials who refuse to cooperate with gangs, often becoming targets themselves. He assured them that the Department remains committed to protecting staff who uphold the law and to “swiftly and decisively” remove corrupt elements.

Groenewald reminded Parliament and the nation of the collective mission.

“Together, we will continue to strengthen our department, affirm our constitutional commitments, and ensure that justice prevails in South Africa. Every day, we are newly afforded the opportunity to restore and build; to fix what is broken; and to render hope for a safe, peaceful and prosperous future.”

As prison raids intensify, Groenewald’s uncompromising stance sends a clear message.

South Africa’s correctional facilities will not remain safe havens for crime syndicates. Instead, they are to become true centres of rehabilitation and public safety, supporting the broader fight for a safer country.

IOL News