“THE FESTIVE season is a time when prisoners long for home and constantly and secretly plot daring escapes,” said Correctional Services communication head Simphiwe Xako.
On Tuesday the department launched Operation Vala, with specific focus on centres like Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town.
Western Cape Commissioner Delekile Klaas said the programme will tighten security and prevent offenders from
escaping.
It will be in place until the end of the second week of January.
Taking part in Tuesday’s operation were 179 emergency support team members from prisons around the Western Cape. Prisoners were searched as part of the programme.
“We are going to do this every day for the next 15 days.
“Escapes happen because offenders want to go out and see their families.
“This will make sure that security is even tighter. We also make sure that few officials take leave this season,” Klaas said.
The search teams found cellphones that convicts weren’t supposed to have in prison.
“These cellphones become deadly weapons and we don’t accept them,” said Klaas.
Cellphones, chargers, scissors and dagga were among the items found as the operation continued.
“The initiative is aimed at ensuring that South Africans are safe from crime as they spend time with their beloved ones,” Xako said.
