KEY POINTS
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A woman was arrested for smuggling contraband into St Albans prison.
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The items found included dagga, earphones, and a phone charger.
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The incident is being investigated by SAPS under the Correctional Services Act.
A woman was arrested over the weekend for attempting to smuggle contraband into St Albans Medium B Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape.
The contraband included dagga, a phone charger, earphones, and unauthorized medication, which were discovered and confiscated by authorities.
Details of the smuggling attempt
According to the Department of Correctional Services, the woman, who is the mother of a prisoner serving a 20-year sentence for serious crimes, allegedly followed her son’s instructions to bring the illicit items into the facility. The incident took place on Saturday at around 10:30 a.m. during routine searches conducted by correctional officers.
Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, confirmed the arrest, stating that the case was immediately handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation under Section 119 of the Correctional Services Act.
The law and the investigation
Captain Andre Beetge, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, confirmed that a 58-year-old woman was arrested on charges related to contraband smuggling. “She is alleged to have attempted to bring in dagga, a cellphone charger, and earphones,” Beetge said. A case has been opened and is being investigated by the Kabega Park Police Station.
According to IOL, Section 119 of the Correctional Services Act prohibits the supply or introduction of certain articles, including drugs, money, and weapons, into correctional facilities. Those found guilty of violating this law face serious legal consequences.
The incident follows an oversight visit by the parliamentary portfolio committee on correctional services to facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, where the committee observed how inmates smuggle contraband using creative methods such as wire and ropes.
