Staggering statistics surrounding the confiscation of drugs and weapons in Western Cape prisons have sparked concerns about collusion between criminals and prison officials.
A report submitted to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has shown that nearly 200kg of drugs and over 3 000 weapons were confiscated over a 12-month period.
The report is in response to parliamentary questions posed by DA MP Nicholas Gotsell, who is a member of the Security and Justice portfolio committee.
According to the report, 175kg of dagga, 1.4kg of tik and 18 315 mandrax tablets were confiscated in prisons across the Western Cape.
This led to 95 inmates being investigated and 33 internal investigations into DCS staff.
Of this total, six DCS staff have been dismissed, three have resigned and investigations into the remainder of officials are either completed or nearing completion.
The drug confiscations have also led to criminal investigations into the 95 inmates.
Drakenstein Prison has topped the list with 37 inmates facing criminal charges followed by Pollsmoor with 33.
Gotsell said corrupt prison officials are facilitating the black market for drugs, including hard-to-smuggle items like tik lollies.
“The fragility of a glass tik lolly makes it virtually impossible for it to be smuggled in easily, and it points to some facilitation by corrupt officials who enable the thriving black market for drugs inside our prisons," Gotsell said.
“The statistics of what has been confiscated are staggering, but the real truth of what has been consumed without being caught is the very real crisis.
“The situation is exacerbated by remand detainees, who are repeatedly in and out of the system and are frequently found in possession of contraband.
“This strongly suggests collusion between these detainees and correctional services employees, further fuelling the crisis - 95 remand detainees were found in possession of drugs during the 12-month period.
“These criminals are not only controlling the drug trade within correctional facilities but are also directing gang warfare in communities, perpetuating a cycle of violence and destruction.”
A second report shows that a total of 3 875 weapons were also confiscated in Western Cape Prisons, with 1922 confiscated in Goodwood Prison, 949 at Pollsmoor and 427 at Brandvlei.
Cape Argus