The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, led an unannounced intelligence-driven search operation at Durban Correctional Facility on Thursday night (23 July 2026), resulting in the seizure of drugs, cellphones, cash and dangerous weapons.
The operation targeted the Medium A and Medium B Correctional Centres, the Remand Detention Facility and offenders assigned to the Kitchen Unit. Conducted at a time when offenders least expected it, the surprise search prevented any opportunity to conceal or dispose of prohibited items.
Acting on intelligence gathered and monitored over an extended period, officials, supported by the Emergency Support Team (EST), executed the operation as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security, disrupt criminal networks and eliminate contraband from correctional facilities.
Items confiscated during the operation included crystal meth, woonga, mandrax, dagga, cellphones, cash and sharp objects, including knives, hidden in various locations within the facility.
The operation follows a two-day intensive search conducted at the same facility last week, during which officials confiscated 2,714 parcels of dagga, 1,300 woonga tablets, more than 500 mandrax tablets and 97 parcels of crystal meth concealed in various areas, including within the perimeter, outside cells and inside the plumbing system.
The latest search demonstrates the Department’s determination to maintain sustained pressure on criminal syndicates operating within correctional facilities and to ensure that intelligence gathered through previous operations continues to inform targeted enforcement actions.
National Commissioner Thobakgale reiterated the Department’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at rooting out criminal activity and safeguarding the integrity of correctional centres.
“Our message is clear; correctional centres are not safe havens for criminality. We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to undermine the security and integrity of our facilities, and every piece of intelligence received will be acted upon decisively,” said National Commissioner Thobakgale.
He further warned that the Department would not tolerate corruption or collusion, stressing that offenders and officials found participating in or facilitating the smuggling of prohibited items would face the full might of the law.
The Department of Correctional Services remains committed to conducting intelligence-led operations across the country to combat contraband, strengthen institutional security, eradicate corruption and ensure that correctional centres remain safe, secure and conducive to rehabilitation.