{
  "id": 8172981,
  "title": "Madlanga Commission hears prison infiltration risk is ‘high’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/madlanga-commission-hears-prison-infiltration-risk-is-high",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/the-star/2026-09-18-madlanga-commission-hears-prison-infiltration-risk-is-high/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Madlanga Commission recently heard concerns about the high risk of cellphone infiltration in South Africa's correctional centers. National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale testified that the risk was significant, with about 39,000 cellphones currently circulating among an inmate population of around 169,118, equating to roughly one phone for every four inmates. This figure has risen from 30,251 in 2023/24, indicating that the problem is not being contained. Thobakgale noted that older facilities, which make up 228 of the department's 243 correctional centers, are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on manual security systems. Only 15 new-generation facilities are equipped with integrated security systems. These older centers have not been prioritized for the installation of integrated security systems due to budget constraints, though the department has fitted integrated systems at 35 such facilities since 2021. Thobakgale acknowledged that some officials were recycling confiscated cellphones instead of disposing of them, exacerbating the issue. The lack of a predetermined disciplinary action for officials involved in smuggling contraband is seen as a weakness, as it allows some to feel emboldened by lesser sanctions. Thobakgale also highlighted the broader implications of compromised officials, who could expose colleagues to recruitment, coercion, and intimidation, facilitate escapes, and maintain criminal links outside prison. He emphasized that once an official is compromised, the vulnerability is not contained. The commission also investigated allegations of inmates being improperly allowed out of correctional centers. While Thobakgale stated he had not found evidence of inmates being allowed out to commit crimes before returning to their sentences, he conceded that manipulation could occur. He referenced the escape from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre, where an integrated security system was not operating in some sections. Thobakgale also mentioned the escape of convicted inmate Edward Khomotso Madiba, who allegedly received help from correctional officials, who warned him of the consequences of revealing their involvement. Thobakgale confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele, the only senior manager who had not submitted the required annual financial-interest disclosure, would face disciplinary charges for this failure. He also discussed the transfer of high-risk offenders, including \"Lord\" George \"Geweld\" Thomas, without his knowledge or approval, which he said created a security risk in the Western Cape. Thobakgale noted that while the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) had formed an interdepartmental task team with other law-enforcement agencies to focus on organized crime, its operational success had not yet been assessed.",
  "summary": "Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale told the Madlanga Commission that the risk of infiltration at South Africa’s correctional centres was “high”, as officials reported about 39,000 cellphone contraband incidents in the latest period.",
  "key_points": [
    "Madlanga Commission hears high cellphone infiltration risk in South African prisons.",
    "39,000 cellphones among 169,118 inmates, one phone per four inmates.",
    "Older facilities vulnerable due to manual security systems, lacking integrated systems."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Madlanga Commission hears prison infiltration risk is ‘high’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/madlanga-commission-hears-prison-infiltration-risk-is-high-8186909",
        "published": "2026-09-18T05:43:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}