Dagga and cellphones were confiscated.
Image: Supplied
A social worker employed at a correctional centre has been arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 17 cellphones and dagga into the prison.
According to a report on the Cape Argus, the 47-year-old official was apprehended during a routine security search, raising fresh concerns about corruption within South Africa’s correctional system.
She was employed at the Voorberg Correctional Centre, in Porterville.
Ms Le Roux, the social worker arrested for allegedly smuggling contraband into Voorberg Correctional Centre.
Image: Supplied
The incident occurred on February 21 when the staff member, identified in court papers as Ms Le Roux, arrived at the facility for duty. According to authorities, she was subjected to a standard search at the entrance, during which officers discovered a stash of prohibited items in her possession.
The confiscated items included multiple cellphones and dagga, both classified as contraband within correctional facilities. Such items are considered a serious security threat, as they can be used to coordinate criminal activity from inside prison walls.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that the matter was immediately reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The official was subsequently taken into custody.
Nxumalo said the department would institute internal disciplinary proceedings in line with applicable regulations. He reiterated that DCS enforces a zero-tolerance policy against the smuggling of contraband.
“The detection and apprehension of the official demonstrates the effectiveness of existing security measures, including the searching of both inmates and officials,” Nxumalo stated.
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect appeared in the Porterville Magistrate’s Court on February 23. The case was postponed to March 2, and the accused remains in custody.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the incident, describing it as indicative of deeper systemic failures within Correctional Services.
The party said social workers are entrusted with rehabilitating offenders and steering them away from criminal networks. Instead, it alleged, the official had facilitated the very activities she was tasked to prevent.
The DA further called for independent lifestyle audits of Correctional Services staff, particularly those in positions of trust and with extensive access within facilities. It said such audits should be conducted by an external body to identify unexplained wealth, criminal links and vulnerabilities to corruption.
Authorities have not disclosed the estimated street value of the seized items. Investigations are ongoing.