Female warden in Bethal arrested for dagga possession

A woman working as a warden at the Correctional Services in Bethal was arrested on Friday, August 26 for having dagga in her possession while on duty.

According to a media statement issued by the Mpumalanga Police Commisioner, Lieut-Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the arrest came after the facility manager arrived at the prison to conduct a morning parade with all employees reporting for duty.

During the parade, the facility manager with her team announced that according to the procedures of the department of Correctional Services, no employee is allowed to enter the premises with a hand or grocery bag unless it is transparent for everyone to see the items inside.

“While at the parade, everyone was informed that a search and seizure will be conducted to prevent possible drugs smuggling.”

As the search and seizure was carried out, the said warden allegedly tried to hide her handbag, but she was noticed.

She allegedly ran from the parade to her office where she hid her handbag and went out to another office.

Some of the members conducting the search then followed her to her office but she was not there.

They eventually found her in another office.

She reportedly explained that she left the parade without permission, because she was rushing for her duties.

According to the police statement, the warden could not explain where was her handbag.

The team then searched her office and found a bag stashed with dagga weighing about 0.186 grams with an estimated street value of about R1 500, as well as a cellphone.

“Though the warden denied knowledge of the dagga, she was arrested and a case of illegal possession of dagga was opened against her.

The warden  is expected to appear soon before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court.

Lieut-Gen Manamela welcomed the arrest of the suspect and further urged all law enforcement officials to always set an example in upholding the law.