St Albans raid exposes jailbirds’ creature comforts

Flat screen TVs, makeshift lounges, smuggled goods, cellphones and heaps of cash — the creature comforts of St Albans prison inmates were laid bare during a predawn raid on Monday.

The banned goods now in the hands of the department of correctional services are believed to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, speaking outside the jail, said they believed corrupt wardens were colluding with the inmates.

Thobakgale spoke about the department’s ongoing probe after a surprise raid on the Medium B section of the large Gqeberha prison.

The raid, which kicked off at 4am, woke the prisoners up from their slumber and into a lived nightmare.

0 of 5

The media were invited to attend as members of the correctional services department’s Emergency Support Team (EST) exposed the extent of the illegal activities taking place within the facility.

The EST is used to conduct raids so that the prisoners do not get wind of what is coming.

In the pitch dark from the outside, the prison presented a facade of order.

However, behind the cold steel bars where convicted rapists, murderers, assault and robbery convicts are housed, the lawlessness was exposed.

Officials banged on the doors and shouted at the inmates to get up.

Still half asleep and bewildered, detainees, mostly dressed in their orange jumpsuits, were ordered to line up outside with their hands raised, while their cells were searched.

A foul odour permeated the stuffy cells where between 37 to 45 men shared bunk beds.

The Medium B section of the correctional facility houses more than 1,500 hardened criminals from across the Eastern Cape.

In one of the cells, there was even a makeshift “mini-lounge” equipped with a television, radio and multiplug for charging cellphones.

Another cell had a similar set-up, but with two televisions mounted on the wall and at the bed in plain sight.

Used condoms were visible in some cells, along with a cooking pot, kettle element, a broken iron and a power bank.

Additionally, authorities discovered and seized nine charging cables, an earpiece, 16 cellphones, a Wi-Fi router, Mandrax, dagga, a  high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable, blades, and a total of R4,557 in cash, among other contraband, from Medium B’s A-unit cell 8, B-unit cell 2, and C-unit cells 4 and 9.

Some of the detainees were then strip-searched.

During cavity searches, inmates were found with large amounts of cash.

Mattresses and pillows were searched, linen was torn apart, boxes ripped open, and every inch of their cells scrutinised.

“We also discovered several sharp objects, which are used to stab our members,” Thobakgale said.

He said they also believed crimes were being organised from within St Albans.

“That’s why it’s important for us to work with all stakeholders,” he said.

In a bid to stop the use of cellphones behind bars, the correctional services department said it was mulling over the idea of using signal jammers around the facility.

About 15 wardens arrived late to work, further infuriating the commissioner.

“The new shift had to conduct a parade at 6am but I couldn’t address it due to their [tardiness].

“This is a serious concern because the entire system is not functioning properly.

“We have taken their details and will charge them.”

He said they tested the stability of the cells daily.

“Many of the suspects were involved in murder, extortion or other violent crimes.

“We are dismantling these criminal rings.

“Those housed in corners are the ones calling the shots from the inside and giving instructions to the outside.”

He also claimed some wardens were part of the syndicate.

According to a warden, who is not permitted to speak to the media, he was losing sleep over the situation.

“The current situation doesn’t allow me to sleep at night. I fear for my life,” the man said.

“The few of us who are working properly are putting our lives at risk.

“We deal with ruthless criminals and corrupt officials who would rather work with these gangs than stand up to them, fearing their outside connections.

“Others resort to smuggling in contraband for easy money.

“Even [some of] our female officials are [allegedly] no better.”

He alluded to claims that certain officials and prisoners had allegedly engaged in phone sex.

“Meanwhile, offenders are making a fortune inside, selling everything from sugar and chips to drugs and alcohol.

“And those of us who do our jobs, we’re a threat to them.

“That’s why they stab you. They know you will be out of work for at least two years, effectively taking you out of the picture.”

Community activist Pamela Mabini, who was also at the raid, commended officials for taking the first step in confiscating contraband.

“I’m sure this will be a significant change for inmates and could be quite disruptive, especially if they’re not prepared for it.

“Cellphone jamming is one way to prevent inmates from using illegal communication devices.

“It might be a perfect solution for restrictions on communication.

“Listening to the commissioner committing himself to rooting out all illegal activities gives me hope and confidence in him as he seems to be a dedicated leader,” she said.

HeraldLIVE