South African prisoners found hiding R1 million and 102,720 cellphones behind bars

Johannesburg – South Africa’s prison system has uncovered more than R1 million in cash, 102,720 cellphones and hundreds of kilograms of illicit substances during searches conducted over the past three financial years, highlighting the scale of criminal activity behind prison walls.

According to a report by Daily Investor, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald revealed the figures in response to a parliamentary question from MP Jahno Engelbrecht.

The Department of Correctional Services conducted 128,476 searches between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years, uncovering R1,005,249.21 in cash, 102,720 cellphones, 158,137 cellphone accessories, 59,788 sharpened objects and approximately 657.8kg of illicit substances.

The number of cellphones confiscated increased annually, from 30,251 in 2023/24 to 33,227 in 2024/25 and 39,242 in 2025/26.

Highest number of searches 

The Western Cape recorded the highest number of searches, at 29,283, followed by Gauteng with 19,379.

The figures also point to possible involvement by correctional officials in the smuggling networks. Groenewald disclosed that 46 prison officials had been dismissed or resigned following disciplinary action for bringing contraband into correctional facilities. Items smuggled included cellphones, marijuana and cigarettes.

The scale of the problem was also highlighted during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in September, as reported by IOL.

Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale told the commission that prison contraband networks were fuelling criminal activities both inside and outside correctional facilities.

“The principal enabler of continued criminal activity in prison is the illicit economy that has developed around contraband including mobile phones, money market, cash, narcotics, weapons and alcohol,” Thobakgale said.

Direct criminal operations

He further warned that the smuggling networks had the characteristics of organised crime.

“This smuggling bears the hallmarks of organised crime,” he said.

Thobakgale also highlighted the dangers posed by prisoners having access to cellphones, saying they were being used to coordinate criminal activities beyond prison walls.

“Incarcerated offenders use them to direct criminal operations, coordinate drug distribution, orchestrate the intimidation or assassination of witnesses and officials, and facilitate fraud against members of the public,” he told the commission.

Meanwhile, the government has stepped up efforts to curb the smuggling of prohibited items. In May, SAnews reported that the department had conducted 1,406 raids, resulting in the confiscation of more than 37,500 cellphones and other contraband.

The latest figures underline the challenges facing correctional authorities in preventing prisons from becoming centres of organised criminal activity.