Pretoria – A video of inmates dancing and playing music inside Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility, which went viral on social media, prompted authorities to search the facility.
The search uncovered cellphones, routers, a laptop, bank cards, chargers, USB devices, illicit cigarettes, dagga, Mandrax tablets, hacksaw blades and other sharp objects.
Commenting on the matter on Friday, 6 November 2026, Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the Department of Correctional Services moved swiftly after the video was shared on social media.
One of the inmates in the viral video clip has been identified is disbarred Advocate Malesela Teffo, who was arrested in mid-September 2026.
In the video, dressed in orange overalls, he shows off some dance moves before disappearing behind a door.
Prison authorities identified the offenders in the video and where they were being held.
National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, instructed management to conduct an urgent search at the facility.
The search resulted in the confiscation of unauthorised items.
“Among the items confiscated were five cellphones, three routers, one laptop, two bank cards, 11 chargers, three USB devices, 16 packets of illicit cigarettes, five balls of dagga, 194 Mandrax tablets, two hacksaw blades and various sharp objects,” said Spokesperson Nxumalo.
“The extent and nature of the items recovered underscore the seriousness of the security breaches that the Department is determined to address.”
Offenders found in possession of contraband and those identified in the video will face internal disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the applicable prescripts.
Their conduct will also be taken into consideration in the assessment of their profiles, with possible implications for their correctional placement, privileges and other relevant considerations, subject to the applicable procedures.
“The department will leave no stone unturned in establishing the full circumstances surrounding this incident,” Nxumalo said.
“An investigation will be undertaken to establish how the electronic device used to record the video, as well as any other prohibited items, were smuggled into the correctional facility.
“Any possible involvement or negligence by officials will also be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is established.”
The removal of illegal and unauthorised items from correctional facilities remains one of the key priorities under the leadership of Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, the spokesperson said.
Through intensified searches and security operations, the National Commissioner has consistently called on all Management Areas to maintain clean and secure facilities, free from contraband and activities that undermine the Department’s mandate.
Commissioner Thobakgale reiterated that correctional facilities were not places where offenders can disregard established rules and security protocols with impunity.
“Maintaining discipline across all correctional facilities remains cardinal,” he said.
“No individual, whether an offender or an official, will be allowed to undermine the integrity of the correctional system.”
