Correctional Services has confiscated more than 37 000 cell phones from prisons across South Africa as authorities intensify efforts to curb smuggling, gang activity and other forms of criminal activity behind bars.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald revealed the figure while answering questions in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. He was questioned about prison overcrowding, the smuggling of cell phones and security threats facing correctional facilities.
Groenewald said cell phones remain a significant security concern because they can be used by inmates to facilitate criminal activities and gang operations.
He said the department is strengthening security measures through the use of body scanners, walk-through metal detectors, surveillance systems and unannounced searches.
Authorities are also investigating ways to prevent correctional services employees from taking their personal cell phones into prisons.
Groenewald said eight correctional centres have undergone upgrades to their existing integrated security systems, including repairs and maintenance to cameras, intercoms, automated doors, alarm systems and control rooms.
Among the facilities upgraded are Ebongweni Maximum and Kokstad Medium correctional centres.
The crackdown comes as South Africa's prisons continue to battle severe overcrowding and shortages of trained security personnel.
According to Groenewald, correctional facilities are currently operating at 62% above capacity, with 107 064 beds available.
He said some detainees have spent more than 10 years in custody, describing the situation as a serious challenge that requires intervention across the broader justice system.
The department is also responsible for approximately 30 000 foreign nationals and more than 20 000 inmates serving life sentences.
Groenewald said agreements with neighbouring countries could help address the issue of foreign nationals in South African prisons.
He revealed that he recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe to facilitate the transfer of foreign prisoners between the two countries. Similar agreements have also been concluded with Botswana and Namibia.
The minister said the department's security efforts would continue despite financial and staffing constraints, as authorities work to strengthen control over correctional facilities and prevent criminal networks from operating from inside prisons.