Sun City Raid Reveals Luxury and Illegal Items in South African Prisons

 
(The Post News)- During a surprise raid at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City, officers from the South African Police Service and the Department of Correctional Services seized a significant amount of illegal items. 
 
Confiscated items included PlayStation consoles, cell phones, makeup kits, and TVs.
 
The officials also discovered a variety of prohibited items, such as sex toys, gaming devices, knives, drugs, and liquor, revealing the extent of contraband smuggled into the facility.
 
The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, explained that the operation is part of a broader effort to root out corruption and contraband in correctional facilities, which has been ongoing for three months. 
 
The facilities targeted were identified through intelligence gathering, and the aim is to confiscate prohibited items that have been smuggled into the cells.
 
The raid comes after a viral video sparked outrage and debate about prison conditions and privileges in South Africa.
he footage, taken at Goodwood Correctional Centre in Cape Town, shows a detainee accused of kidnapping bragging about the comforts and perks available to inmates. 
 
In the video, the inmate claims that prisoners receive free meals and electricity, highlighting the provision of necessities at no cost to them.
 
Commissioner Thobakgale expressed disappointment over the viral video from Goodwood Correctional Centre during an interview with Newzroom Afrika. 
 
He condemned the inmate’s behaviour, stating that it was unacceptable for offenders to engage in such activities.
Thobakgale vowed to take action, citing management failures and security lapses at the facility, and promised to address the issues at Goodwood Correctional Centre.
 
According to Commissioner Thobakgale, inmates found with televisions during the raid were unable to provide the required authorization documents, indicating that the appliances were smuggled into the facility illegally.
 
During the raid, Thobakgale told journalists that correctional service officials must be held accountable for the contraband found. 
 
He announced that unit managers will be held responsible and must explain the presence of illicit items.
 
hobakgale emphasised the need to improve security measures, especially for transporting inmates to courts, hospitals, and within the facility.
 
This incident highlights our dedication to maintaining integrity and security in correctional facilities and our continuous efforts to combat illegal activities within the correctional system,” he added.