By Karabo Marifi
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has taken decisive action against six officials implicated in the illegal use of cellphones within the Goodwood Correctional Centre in the Western Cape. This disciplinary move comes in the wake of a viral video that surfaced in July 2024, showing an inmate describing life in prison as a “soft life,” sparking public outrage and highlighting serious security breaches within South Africa’s correctional facilities.
Unveiling the Breach
The incident, which quickly garnered widespread attention on social media, featured an inmate at the Goodwood Correctional Centre boasting about his comfortable living conditions while being incarcerated. The inmate, who has since been identified, was seen using a cellphone to record the video—a clear violation of prison regulations. The video not only exposed the inmate’s unlawful access to a cellphone but also raised concerns about the involvement of correctional officials in facilitating such breaches.
In response to the incident, DCS Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald addressed the National Assembly, confirming that an investigation was promptly conducted following the video’s circulation. “It was quite clear that some of our officials were part of this breach. After an investigation, a total of six officials were identified for disciplinary actions to be instituted against them,” Groenewald stated.
The disciplinary process has already begun, with two of the six officials having their cases finalized, while the remaining four are still undergoing proceedings. The area commissioner of Goodwood took the necessary steps to ensure that those found culpable face the consequences of their actions.
Challenges in Curbing Illegal Cellphone Use
The use of cellphones in correctional facilities is a persistent challenge for the Department of Correctional Services. Minister Groenewald acknowledged the complexity of addressing this issue, particularly in facilities like Goodwood, which are located near urban areas. “There are various ways to deal with this matter of cell phones and connections from within our facilities. But it’s not that simple,” Groenewald explained.
One of the proposed solutions is the use of signal jammers to block cellphone signals within prison walls. However, this approach presents significant challenges, as the signal-blocking technology can inadvertently affect nearby communities, disrupting communication for residents and businesses. “For instance, you can have a jammer, but some of our facilities are close to highways and the community itself, and you cannot restrict the jamming just to the centre,” Groenewald noted.
Given these challenges, the DCS is exploring more sophisticated and targeted technologies to prevent cellphone use by inmates without impacting the surrounding areas. However, such technology comes at a high cost, and the department will need to carefully consider its budgetary constraints before implementing these solutions.
A Commitment to Combatting Corruption
The incident at Goodwood Correctional Centre has once again highlighted the need for stringent measures to combat corruption within the Department of Correctional Services. Minister Groenewald emphasized the importance of consequence management in addressing misconduct among correctional officials. “The first step to deal with corruption is to ensure that there are consequences for those officials who transgress. Consequence management is essential if you want to eradicate corruption,” he asserted.
Groenewald also called for a collective effort within the department to root out corrupt practices. “I had a conversation with the members at head office, and I made it clear that corruption cannot only be fought by a minister, but we must join hands to do it. Most of the correctional services officials are honest, hardworking people with integrity, but we will have to work together to identify the rotten apples, and disciplinary steps must be taken against them,” he concluded.
Recent Raids Across South Africa’s Correctional Facilities
The incident at Goodwood is not an isolated case. In recent months, the Department of Correctional Services, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has conducted several high-profile raids across various correctional facilities in South Africa. These raids are part of a broader effort to crack down on the smuggling of contraband, including cellphones, drugs, and weapons, into prisons.
One of the most notable raids took place at Durban’s Westville Prison in early August 2024. More than 200 correctional services and police officers were involved in the operation, which led to the confiscation of a significant number of cellphones, cash, and drugs, including dagga and heroin. Similar raids were conducted at Johannesburg’s Sun City Prison and the Goodwood Correctional Centre, where contraband such as cellphones, televisions, and even a PlayStation console were seized.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate