POLLSMOOR PRISON LOCKDOWN LIFTED

A PARTIAL lockdown at Pollsmoor Prison, imposed after a stabbing between two inmates, has been lifted, putting a spotlight on a staggering 122 407 smuggled items confiscated over the past year.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

In response to the epidemic of corruption behind bars, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald warned he was on a mission to clean house and that raids would be imminent.

Groenewald's spokesperson, Eune Oelofsen, last night confirmed that Pollsmoor had been placed under lockdown. “The Minister is aware of the stabbing incident involving two inmates. A partial lockdown was implemented starting June 27 and has since been lifted.

"During this period, visitors were not permitted access to the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre,” said Oelofsen.

The stabbing has shed light on corruption in prisons, with the Ministry yesterday sharing the latest confiscation figures with the Cape Argus.

It said since July 3, 2024, various smuggled items have been found and confiscated countrywide.

These include 33 874 cell phones, 20 577 sharpened objects, 122 407 items related to alcohol and other substances, 232.16kg of drugs and R394 450 in cash.