Female prison warden arrested for allegedly being in possession of dagga

A 43-year-old female warden was arrested at a correctional centre in Mbombela for being in possession of dagga following a search and seizure operation on Friday.

“Her arrest came after the facility manager arrived at the correctional centre to conduct a morning parade with all employees reporting for duty. During the parade, the facility manager, with her team announced that according to the procedures of the Department of Correctional Services, no employee is allowed to enter the premises with a hand or grocery bag unless it is transparent for everyone to see the items inside,” said Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the Mpumalanga police spokesperson.

While the Correctional Services staff members were still at the parade, they were informed that everyone would be searched to prevent the possibility of drug smuggling.

“As the search and seizure was carried out, the said warden reportedly tried to hide her handbag. However, she was noticed. She allegedly ran from the parade to her office where she hid her handbag and went out to another office,” said Mohlala.

Some of the members who were conducting the search followed the warden to her office but could not find her there. She was instead found in another office. When questioned about why she left the parade she allegedly indicated that she was rushing to report for duties.

“She was asked about her handbag which she hid in her office but could not give a proper explanation as to where the bag was. The team then searched her office and found her bag stashed with dagga weighing 0.186 grams to the estimated street value of about R1500, as well as a cellphone,” Mohlala said.

The warden denied having any knowledge about the dagga found in her bag and was arrested. A case of illegal possession of dagga was opened.

The warden is expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrest of the warden and also urged all law enforcement officials to always set an example in upholding the law.

Source: News24, The South African, IOL, image from IOL: SAPS

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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