The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has seized more than 8,000 illegally smuggled cellphones in prisons across South Africa during its festive season security operation, Operation Vala.
National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale reported that a total of 8,063 phones were confiscated nationwide following 5,592 searches conducted between December and January. Gauteng emerged as the leading hotspot, with 2,321 devices seized.
In addition, 3,144 sharpened objects were removed from correctional facilities, with the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape recording the highest volumes. The prison population during the festive season exceeded 170,739 inmates, well above the department’s approved capacity of 107,671 beds.
Drug seizures were also significant, with KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West contributing the largest share. “More than 46 kilograms of loose dagga were confiscated, along with thousands of dagga slopes and blades. In the Western Cape, authorities seized 1,012 Mandrax tablets,” Thobakgale said.
The operation also uncovered R102,726 in cash, small amounts of foreign currency, and 400 counterfeit South African banknotes in the Free State and Northern Cape.
While the Western Cape conducted the most searches, cash recoveries were higher in provinces such as the Eastern Cape.
“The operation has demonstrated improved capability at management-area level, and this capacity is being maintained and strengthened,” Thobakgale added, highlighting the department’s continued focus on reducing contraband in correctional facilities.