South African Prisons to Implement Advanced Cellphone Signal-Blocking Technology

New Technology to Combat Prison-Orchestrated Crime

South African prisons are preparing for the introduction of advanced cellphone signal-blocking technology, a move aimed at preventing inmates from orchestrating criminal activities from within correctional facility walls. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is initiating a pilot project in select high-priority prisons, including Pollsmoor and St Albans, with full implementation anticipated by the end of 2025.

The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the rampant use of illegal cellphones by inmates to coordinate crimes such as fraud, extortion, gang violence, and witness intimidation. This issue was starkly highlighted by the infamous Thabo Bester prison escape in May 2022, where investigations revealed Bester had been running a fraudulent media empire and communicating with accomplices using smuggled devices.

Addressing Long-Standing Security Challenges

Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, confirmed the pilot project, emphasizing that security cannot be compromised despite financial constraints. He noted that traditional signal blockers were ineffective as they disrupted communication for surrounding communities, making them legally and practically unviable. The new generation of technology, however, can precisely target prison boundaries without interfering with outside networks.

The urgency of this rollout was underscored by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who raised an alarm over an extortion racket operating from Pollsmoor Prison. Hill-Lewis stated that a local contractor had been threatened by a notorious gangster communicating from inside the facility, prompting his call for immediate action.

Implementation and Overcoming Hurdles

National Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale affirmed the plans, stating that a tender process for acquiring the signal-blocking technology is underway. He assured that the systems would be carefully implemented to avoid disrupting the broader work of the criminal justice system.

However, the initiative faces significant challenges:

• Cost: The sophisticated technology required is expensive, posing budgetary hurdles for the department.
• Corruption: A major obstacle remains the pervasive issue of corruption within prisons, with several officials having been caught smuggling cellphones to inmates. The DCS has indicated that implicated staff members face both internal disciplinary action and criminal charges.
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Historically, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has deemed the use of signal jammers by the DCS illegal, as the department was not classified as part of the security cluster. The DCS is exploring options, including reclassification or making requests via the South African Police Service or the Department of Justice.

Despite these challenges, the DCS remains committed to modernizing prison security and disrupting criminal networks operating from behind bars. The pilot project represents a critical step in enhancing the safety and integrity of South Africa's correctional facilities.