By Marcus Moloko
This weekend, National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Makgothi Thobakgale, led an unannounced search operation at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in Cape Town.
The raid formed part of a broader Easter weekend crackdown aimed at eliminating contraband and reinforcing discipline inside South Africa’s prisons.
The operation was carried out by the DCS Emergency Support Team (EST) in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Officials confiscated a range of illegal items, including cellphones, drugs, sharp objects, and weapons.
This latest raid follows a series of surprise interventions led by Commissioner Thobakgale.
On 1 April 2026, a midnight search at the Johannesburg Correctional Facility (Sun City) uncovered more than 147 cellphones, drugs, and about R7,000 in cash.
Correctional Services confirmed that these operations form part of a national strategy to clamp down on security breaches, with investigations also targeting corrupt officials suspected of assisting in the smuggling of contraband into facilities.
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Commissioner Thobakgale emphasized that the Easter weekend crackdown was designed to send a strong message:
“We will not tolerate indiscipline or the circulation of illegal items within our centres. These operations are about restoring order, protecting lives, and ensuring that correctional facilities remain secure.”
The Department of Correctional Services has indicated that further unannounced raids will continue across the country as part of its ongoing campaign to strengthen prison security and accountability.