Officials patrol during a raid by the Department of Correctional Services. Image for illustration. Picture: Gallo Images / Jaco Marais
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) conducted a raid in the early hours of Monday morning at the Medium B section of St Albans Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape.
The DCS emergency support team and the South African Police Service (Saps) confiscated several contraband items and illegal substances during the operation.
According to the DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, confiscated items included:
The department said some of the items found pose a serious threat to inmates and officials.
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“The operation is part of DCS‘ ongoing efforts to enhance security, ensure safety, and maintain order within its facilities, and it continues to yield significant results,” Nxumalo said.
“This period also serves as a time to renew collective commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. The correctional system remains an essential pillar within the broader framework of the criminal justice system,” Nxumalo added.
While observing Corrections Week, the department said it is committed to working alongside community organisations and NGOs to improve the correctional system in South Africa.
“This week is not merely a celebration but a call to action, reminding us that we all play a role in building a just, compassionate, and inclusive society.
“It emphasises that corrections are a societal responsibility, where each individual – whether a correctional official, policymaker, community leader or citizen – has a part to play in shaping a correctional system that reflects the country’s highest values,” he said.
The correctional services officials also made personal contributions to assist communities in the area that were affected by recent floods. In addition, surplus produce from DCS agricultural projects was donated to the community centre.
“The DCS continued its community outreach efforts by providing food to flood victims and children at the Sisonke Sophumelela Centre, located in Zwide, Gqeberha,” he said.
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