The Port Shepstone Correctional Centre was searched for contraband by the Emergency Support Team from the Department of Correctional Services and Public Order Policing (POP) the day after Christmas.
Bonginkosi Mbotshwa, the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson in the Kokstad management area, said the festive season is a most critical time when the ‘offenders under our care’ also look forward to escaping from correctional centres and spending time with their loved ones.
“We have a strict mandate to ensure that our country is safe from criminals during this time,” he said.
A number of items were confiscated from offenders, such as extra blankets, an iron rod, a double hot plate stove, empty cans of beverages, broken broomsticks, mops and uniforms.
The head of the centre, Mlamli Mbanjwa, appreciates the working relationship with Port Shepstone Saps.
“We have good relations with our colleagues. It’s frustrating during operations of this nature when dangerous items are not confiscated, but their visibility alone plays a vital role and confirms to the community inside that we take our job seriously,” said Mbanjwa.
Captain Zanovuyo Qwebani from POP said they have learned a lot from this operation. “We are just a phone call away whenever our services are needed.”
Mbotshwa said this was not the first search, as EST has searched a number of correctional centres in the Kokstad management area and countrywide.
“Our aim is to live in a crime-free South Africa by averting and curbing escapes,” he said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
