Infiltration of contraband and escapes were listed among the top security breaches.
These crimes were not just being committed by prison authorities but by visitors too.
“Following a tip-off, the department conducted a sting operation on Saturday (November 17) at the DCS emergency support team at the Baviaanspoort correctional centre in Tshwane.
Officials caught two young women in possession of drugs and alcohol which were destined for inmates they were ostensibly visiting.
“The suspects are behind bars and an investigation, which also seeks to establish the complicity of some DCS officials, is under way,” Maistry said.
This was not an isolated incident, with similar incidents at the Boksburg, Modderbee and Johannesburg Central prisons earlier this month.
“The operations led to the confiscation of drugs and other contraband.”
Two officials at Boksburg were caught supplying inmates with drugs and the matter has been referred to the Hawks, he said.
Tightening of security is a priority.
“On December 3, the DCS will launch ‘Operation Vala’ to prevent festive season-related escapes and assaults. There will be increased supervision of officials as well as decreasing idleness among inmates. Operation Vala will run to January 11,” Maistry said.