Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
19 January 2026
A 31-year-old parolee was arrested at Standerton Correctional Centre on Sunday, 18 January 2026, after he attempted to smuggle dagga and a cellphone into the prison cells.
According to information, the suspect was visiting a friend who was incarcerated at the facility. During the visit, the suspect brought food items, and upon inspection, officials discovered a plastic bag containing dagga and a cellphone concealed inside a packet of instant porridge.
The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice. He subsequently joined his friend in custody, no longer as a visitor, but as an inmate.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, 19 January 2026, to face the charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and cautioned individuals to refrain from undermining law enforcement and their duties. He further warned the community that anyone attempting to smuggle illegal items into prison cells will face the full might of the law for their ill-informed choices.
