BUSTED: Dagga and cellphones were confiscated
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A PRISON social worker was arrested for allegedly attempting to bring 17 cellphones and dagga into Voorberg Correctional Centre in Porterville.
According to reports, the social worker, named Aldean Le Roux on court papers, is stationed at the facility and was subjected to a routine security search upon attempting to enter the facility on February 21.
During the search a number of prohibited items, including dagga and cellphones, were discovered in her possession.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said that the matter was reported to SAPS, and she was taken into custody.
Nxumalo reported: “The Department can further confirm that internal disciplinary processes will be instituted in line with applicable prescripts. DCS maintains a zero-tolerance stance on the smuggling of contraband within correctional facilities.
“The detection and apprehension of the official demonstrates the effectiveness of existing security measures, including the searching of both inmates and officials.”
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed the arrest of the social worker.
“This office confirms that a 47-year-old female social worker who is employed by the Department of Correctional Services was arrested at Voorberg Correctional facility for sneaking cellphones and drugs into the Correctional Centre," Mpendukana said.
“The suspect has appeared in court on Monday, February 23 and will remain in custody as the case is postponed for Monday, March 2, at Porterville Magistrate’s Court.”
Meanwhile, the DA slammed the incident as an exposure of collapse within the correctional system.
“A social worker in Correctional Services is supposed to be at the forefront of rehabilitation, guiding offenders away from criminal networks and helping to break the cycle of crime. Instead, the very official entrusted with this responsibility is alleged to have enabled the very criminal activity she was meant to prevent,” the party said.
“The DA believes this case strongly reinforces the urgent need for independent lifestyle audits of Correctional Services officials, particularly those in trusted and high-access roles. These audits must be conducted by an external and independent body to identify unexplained wealth, criminal associations, and vulnerabilities to corruption.”
Cape Times