The Johannesburg Correctional Centre, dubbed Sun City, is living up to its reputation as a haven for contraband.
A shakedown at the Johannesburg correctional facility has found cellphones, weapons and drugs.
The surprise search is part of Correctional Services’ aim to clean up the centre before Christmas.
The facility is over 150-percent full but Deputy Justice and Correctional Services Minister Thabang Makwetla insists things aren’t as bad as they seem.
Searches like this one are meant to promote safety in prisons during the most dangerous time of the year – the festive season.
WATCH: Deputy justice min Thabang Makwetla has joined his officials on a surprise search of cells at Johannesburg correctional center, aka Sun City. So far they've found a prison knife and cellphone chargers. #OperationVala pic.twitter.com/xpLhH4sjIU
— Govan Whittles (@govanwhittles) December 20, 2018
#OperationVala Inmates are told to sit in pairs with their heads down (chafkop). They are called back into the cells to explain if contraband is found in their locker or bed. pic.twitter.com/QpkNqVtlyH
— Govan Whittles (@govanwhittles) December 20, 2018
We're in the maximum security section now. All inmates here are serving at least 10 years. #OperationVala pic.twitter.com/DyWr8FMIc9
— Govan Whittles (@govanwhittles) December 20, 2018
Prison contraband confiscated during today's search. Cell phones, weapon, dagga and other drugs, frying pans and money. #OperationVala pic.twitter.com/r3gFnMGGmx
— Govan Whittles (@govanwhittles) December 20, 2018
WATCH: Ever wondered how inmates get tattooed? One of the correctional services security team members explains how a prison tattoo machine works. #OperationVala #SunCity pic.twitter.com/MsxMifClf5
— Govan Whittles (@govanwhittles) December 20, 2018
Source: eNCA
