KwaZulu-Natal leads the fight against drug smuggling during Operation Vala

KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as a frontrunner in the battle against drug smuggling during Operation Vala, the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) festive season security initiative.

According to the latest report released by the DCS over the past week, the province contributed significantly to major contraband seizures alongside its counterparts in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West.

Operation Vala usually comes alive on December 1 and concluded at the end of January each year. It has been designed to heighten security measures within correctional facilities during the notoriously high-risk holiday season.

The operations are executed in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the latest effort has yielded impressive results. The operation resulted in significant contraband confiscations, and zero escapes recorded throughout the festive period.

DCS National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale confirmed that the combined efforts of correctional authorities have led to the seizure of:

• More than 46 kg of loose dagga.
• Thousands of dagga “sloops” (dagga joint) and blades.
• Large quantities of Mandrax tablets, particularly in the Western Cape and Free State/Northern Cape regions.

The outcomes from this operation once again provided a reminder about the persistent presence of organised crime in correctional centres.

The total inmate population during this festive season surpassed 170,700, which is substantially beyond the approved national bed capacity of approximately 107,000.

This overpopulation has placed considerable strain on infrastructure, staffing, budgets, and security protocols, particularly during a period marked by reduced court activity.

Despite these challenges, the DCS reported no escapes during the operation, which indicated that their security measures were effective.

The 2025/26 iteration of Operation Vala marks a strategic shift from basic enforcement tactics to an intelligence-driven approach.

The decentralised method, managed closely at the area level, with elevated oversight from senior management, was aimed at thwarthing smuggling activities more effectively.

The issue of illegal cellphone possession remains a significant concern. Nationally, authorities confiscated:

• 8,063 cellphones, with Gauteng accounting for 2,321 such devices.
• 3,144 sharpened objects considered weapons, mainly in the Eastern Cape and Free State/Northern Cape
• R102,726 in cash, seized within the facilities.

Officials warned that the prevalence of illegal phones facilitates criminal coordination from inside prison walls, posing a primary threat to security and order.

DAILY NEWS