The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, led an unannounced search operation at Klerksdorp Correctional Facility on 20 October 2026, as the Department intensifies efforts to eliminate contraband, disrupt gang activity and strengthen security ahead of the festive season.
The operation forms part of the Department’s ongoing interventions to maintain safe and secure correctional facilities and prevent criminal activities from continuing behind bars.
National Commissioner Thobakgale highlighted the seriousness of the offences committed by many of the offenders housed in the Klerksdorp Management Area, including murder, rape and robbery. The facility accommodates approximately 2 000 offenders, more than 500 of whom are foreign nationals.
He emphasised the connection between criminal activity in communities and gang-related activities within correctional facilities, noting that crime must be addressed both inside and outside the centres.
“If you go through the profile of crime in this area of Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, you will realise that the number one crime here is murder, followed by rape, and robbery,” he said.
The National Commissioner stressed that the Department must remain alert to the criminal networks and activities that may persist within correctional facilities, which accommodate both sentenced offenders and remand detainees awaiting the conclusion of their court proceedings.
He further cautioned that the operation should not be viewed as an isolated intervention, indicating that the Klerksdorp Management Area would remain under close scrutiny as the Department strengthens its response to contraband and organised crime.
Particular attention was given to the further-charges section, where a number of offenders face additional charges while already in custody. “Out of the further charges that we have here, 119 of them are further charges for murder. This is a serious problem because these are gruesome crimes,” National Commissioner Thobakgale said.
The search extended to the further-charges section and other areas where offenders move between cells and service points. During the operation, officials uncovered cellphones, chargers, drugs and other prohibited items, highlighting the continued need for rigorous security measures and effective control over the movement of people and goods within correctional facilities.
Contraband confiscated
The search operation yielded the following items:
- 20 cellphones
- 40 units of nyaope
- Six Mandrax tablets
- 15 USB devices
- Three sharp objects
- One solar panel
- One ball of dagga
- Three homemade speakers
- One radio
- 37 SIM cards
- Three cellphone batteries
- One pair of scissors
Offenders found in possession of contraband will face the applicable disciplinary measures, including the revocation of privileges, in accordance with departmental procedures.
The Department has also reiterated its call to members of the public and officials not to assist offenders in bringing prohibited items into correctional facilities. Contraband can enter facilities through various channels, including when offenders return from court appearances or receive visits from members of the public.
Officials and members of the public found to be involved in smuggling contraband into correctional facilities risk criminal prosecution in accordance with applicable law.
The presence of cellphones, drugs and other prohibited items in correctional facilities poses a security risk and can facilitate criminal activities, undermine rehabilitation programmes and compromise the safety of officials, offenders and the public.
Through targeted searches and strengthened oversight, the Department continues to reinforce operational discipline and compliance with security procedures. The unannounced operation at Klerksdorp Correctional Facility underscores the importance of sustained vigilance and accountability in preventing correctional facilities from being used to advance criminal activities.
The National Commissioner’s intervention signals that security at the Klerksdorp Management Area will remain a priority as the Department intensifies efforts to curb contraband and safeguard the integrity of the correctional system.