STAGGERING statistics surrounding the confiscation of drugs and weapons in Western Cape Prisons have sparked concerns about collusion between bandiete and prison officials.
A report submitted to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) by the Department of Correctional Services has revealed that nearly 200kg of drugs and over 3 000 weapons have been confiscated over a 12-month period.
The reports are 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 reports 175kg of dagga, 1.4kg of tik and 18 315 Mandrax pille were afgevat in prisons across the Western Cape. This has led to 95 bandiete being investigated and 33 internal investigations into DCS staff.
Of this total, six DCS staff have been dismissed, three resigned and investigations into the remainder of officials are either completed or nearing completion.
The drug confiscation have also led to criminal investigations into the 95 bandiete. Drakenstein Prison has topped the list with 37 inmates facing criminal charges followed by Pollsmoor with 33 convicts.
Gotsell said corrupt prison officials are facilitating the black market for drugs, including hard-to-smuggle items like tik lollies.
He explains: “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.”
Gotsell adds: “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.
