A major surprise raid at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility over the Easter weekend has led to the seizure of drugs, cellphones and weapons as South African authorities intensify efforts to restore discipline inside prisons.
The late-night operation, led by National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale of the Department of Correctional Services, took place on Saturday at the high-security prison in the Western Cape.
The raid forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on contraband and gang activity inside correctional facilities.
Officials confirmed that search teams confiscated a significant quantity of illegal items, including 65 cellphones, 121 tik sachets, 67 mandrax tablets, routers, cash and at least 25 sharp weapons.
Overcrowding and gang control remain key concerns
Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison has long been under pressure due to severe overcrowding and entrenched gang influence.
Recent reports indicate that around 8,000 inmates are currently housed in a facility with an official capacity of fewer than 4,000 beds.
Authorities say smuggled phones continue to play a central role in allowing inmates to communicate with criminal syndicates outside prison walls.
National crackdown expected to continue
The operation follows similar targeted searches at Johannesburg correctional centres earlier in the week, where more than 140 cellphones, drugs and cash were also seized.
Correctional Services officials, supported by the South African Police Service and the Emergency Support Team, are expected to continue raids across multiple provinces.
The department said the aim is to dismantle prison gang networks and strengthen institutional security.
Source: Department of Correctional Services, SAPS, SABC News, TimesLIVE
