IN PICS: Drugs, cellphones found during raid at Kgosi Mampuru prison
Led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, law enforcement officials swooped in on dozens of cells, searching for contraband.
Contraband found at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility during a surprise raid on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Correctional services officials and police conducted a raid at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria on Tuesday evening.
Led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, law enforcement officials swooped in on dozens of cells, searching for contraband.
Contraband found at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility during a surprise raid led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
Authorities said the raid is aimed at uncovering illicit activities, including the trafficking and use of drugs, among other contraband.
The operation uncovered several packets of crystal meth and marijuana during a surprise raid led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
The walls are cracked and peeling, windows broken, and the narrow corridors echo with boots and shouts as officials work their way through.
Prisoners have been lined up outside their cells, sitting in long rows, heads bowed, hands on their heads under the watchful eyes of heavily armed guards.
A surprise raid has exposed alleged corruption by prison wardens at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
Authorities also said that this operation is far from over as they continue to root out contraband and clamp down on illegal activity inside these dilapidated walls.
Contraband found at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility during a surprise raid led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
Contraband found at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility during a surprise raid led by national Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
Correctional Services officials lead a raid and search operation at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria on 8 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News