Prisoners huddled outside cells in two rows, like children waiting outside a classroom, while EST officers trawled through their books, journals, food, water buckets, backpacks, bedding and bed posts. The raid was part of the launch of Operation Vala.
Common foodstuffs prisoners stock up on include 2 Minute Noodles, Marie biscuits and baked beans.
Where do prisoners try to hide contraband?
“Inside the mattress, inside their shoes, their bodies, in the walls, in the cupboards, eish, you can find stuff anywhere… You’ll be amazed what these guys can do,” an EST officer said.
Another added: “These drums are full of water. They stuff their cell phones in condoms and throw them in the water.”
Officials search cells every weekend and drugs that are often confiscated include dagga, nyaope, Mandrax and crystal meth. Cocaine is rare.
“They don’t have that much money.”
Goods are often smuggled in by prison staff.
“Even if he [a prisoner] goes to court, then he has a police officer that side who he deals with,” an EST officer said.