Big Concern Over Staggering Drug Smuggling in Western Cape Prisons

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Justice, to call Minister Pieter Groenewald to answer urgent questions about staggering drug smuggling in our correctional facilities.

A reply to a DA parliamentary question has revealed that in the past 12 months 175 kilograms of dagga have been confiscated in Western Cape prisons, along with over 18,000 mandrax tablets. This amounts to over 50 mandrax tablets being confiscated every single day of the year, and is most certainly only a fraction of the number being consumed per day.

The reply to the DA’s question also shockingly reveals that nearly 1,500 grams of tik were confiscated in the past 12 months in Western Cape prisons, along with 14 glass tik-pipes.

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.

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 DA has long warned of the direct correlation between the rampant drug trade and gang violence on the Cape Flats and the criminal activities within Pollsmoor Prison and other correctional facilities. 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. Severe overcrowding and the inexplicable unwillingness of the Department of Correctional Services Head office to fill funded vacancies at these facilities are major causes of unhindered contraband trafficking in our prisons.

This is a result of unsatisfactory and dangerous warden-to-inmate ratios, creating an environment conducive to easy smuggling.

The Western Cape continues to grapple with a severe drug problem, with gang syndicates using prisons as operational bases to extend their influence beyond prison walls. 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.

The DA demands urgent action from the Department of Correctional Services to implement stricter security measures, conduct thorough investigations into corrupt officials, and hold those complicit accountable. The continued facilitation of drug smuggling into our prisons is a betrayal of public trust and undermines the justice system’s ability to rehabilitate offenders.

The DA reiterates its call that, where possible, the Department of Justice and the Department of Correctional Services make use of available technology to facilitate virtual hearings, particularly where a case is simply remanded to a next court date.

We will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability within the correctional system, including the filling of vacancies, to ensure that prisons serve their intended purpose – rehabilitation and justice, not as headquarters for organised crime.

Regards

Nicholas Gotsell MP
DA NCOP Member on Security and Justice