The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has announced that it will use technology to curb the scourge of cell phone smuggling by prisoners.
Last month, DCS and police conducted a raid at the Johannesburg prison, where they found dozens of cell phones, electronics, weapons and contraband.
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The Correctional Services Department is experimenting with the idea of using cell phone and signal jammers at prisons in order to stop inmates from being able to use them as a means of communicating with the outside world.
Speaking to EWN during the raid, DCS National Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale said that they were in the process of finding suitable tech.
“We are at an advanced stage of deploying technology to block the cell phones from usage or to jam them.”
He said that finding the right tech was the issue.
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“We need a technology that is not going to interfere with other signals that are utilised, that help us when we have emergencies, whether it’s medical emergencies or crime prevention emergencies.”
The department said that the unit manager at the Joburg Prison responsible for the section of the facility that was raided would have to account for how inmates got access to the contraband and electronics.
