FULL body scanners will be installed at various correctional centres throughout the country to combat the smuggling of illegal substances in prisons.

Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said on Wednesday regular patrols, frequent searches of cells, control over objects entering correctional centres, as well as searches of visitors, will be monitored closely by corrections management.

The installation of the scanners was sparked by recent incidents where inmates were recorded openly taking a white substance believed to be drugs. In another video recording, prison officials are seen agitating inmates to fight among themselves.

Related article: ‘Fix human element first’ or prison body scanner plan won’t work

Addressing the media following instances of security breaches at the Durban Westville Correctional Centre, Lamola said safety and security in correctional facilities is paramount and it must be clearly understood that security controls are non-negotiable.

The centres identified to get body scanners are: Durban Westville Correctional Facility; St Albans Correctional Facility; Johannesburg Correctional Facility; Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility; Pollsmoor Correctional Facility; Barbeton Correctional Facility and Groenepunt Correctional Facility.

“The Department of Correctional Services has made significant strides in redefining the purpose of corrections in South Africa. Security remains the cornerstone in the delivery of our constitutional mandate. We will not compromise on this,” Lamola said.

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