South African correctional facilities are preparing to introduce cellphone signal-blocking technology in a bid to curb criminal activities orchestrated from inside prison walls.
The move comes after revelations of an extortion racket being run from Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, which drew strong reaction from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Following his concerns, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald assured him that a tender process is already under way to procure the technology.
National Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, during a visit to Pollsmoor on Monday, confirmed the plans but emphasised that the systems would be carefully implemented to avoid disrupting the broader work of the criminal justice system.
Authorities also acknowledged the challenge of corruption within prisons, noting that several officials have been caught smuggling cellphones to inmates. Thobakgale said routine searches and operations continue to uncover contraband, and implicated staff members face both internal disciplinary action and criminal charges with the police.
The department maintains that blocking illicit communications, coupled with rooting out corrupt practices among officials, is key to restoring control and safety within correctional facilities.
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