Officials conduct surprise raid at Grootvlei Correctional Centre

Police official searches for illegal contraband during a raid at Grootvlei Prison in the Free State.

Correctional Services officials have found Crystal meth, Dagga, cell phones and sharp objects during an unannounced search operation at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein.

The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale says search operations are conducted throughout the country, while the unannounced searches are conducted at the identified problematic areas.

Those found in possession of illegal items will be charged internally, disciplined and reclassified.

Reclassification may affect prisoner’s hours of visitation, and some might not have opportunity to be considered for parole. – Reporting by Masiteng Makgala

Correctional Services Commissioner Thobakgale says those found in possession of illegal items will be get charged internally, disciplined and reclassified. #sabcnews #sabcfs pic.twitter.com/pfPmKKXT5W

— Masiteng Makgala (@masitengmakgala) December 23, 2025