BARBERTON – Three brothers from Secunda were arrested after trying to smuggle money into the prison using bananas.
It is alleged that the trio visited the prison over the weekend to see a relative.
Before they could be granted access to the prison, a search was conducted by the officials at the main gate.
The spokesperson of the correctional facility, Mesia Hlungwani, said the accused came with a fruit basket which had bananas and apples in it.
“From a distance it looked like normal bananas, but the dreadful news is that there was money hidden inside three bananas. The accused allegedly opened the banana, shoved money in it, and tried to seal it. The bananas without money were placed on the top of the fruit basket, and the ones with money were hidden underneath,” he explained.
Also read : Local offenders join national hunger strike
He added that the department immediately called the SAPS to arrest the accused, and a criminal case was opened against them. The money was confiscated as evidence.
He concluded by warning the public that those who smuggle goods into prison will face the mighty hand of the law. “When we say zero tolerance to smugglers we mean business,” he said.
Also read : Lifers put on hold hunger strike
