Bavianspoort prison infiltrated by crime syndicates

SOUTH African prisons have become hotspots for organised criminal syndicates who smuggle cell phones and other gadgets that are used to scam South Africans and demand ransom from the families of kidnapped victims.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

This comes as the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, led a specialised team in a targeted operation that uncovered an undisclosed number of cell phones and other gadgets, allegedly being used by inmates to commit crimes from behind bars at the Bavianspoort Correctional Centre in Pretoria.

It is reported that a group of inmates at the facility, who were found with mobile phones were actively scamming members of the public, resulting in the confiscation of several mobile phones and other contraband items.

Speaking on behalf of the department, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo indicated that investigations have revealed that inmates have created sophisticated hideout spots within their cells to conceal these devices.