WATCH: Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo caught dancing in viral prison video - IOL
Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo is among the offenders seen dancing and playing music in a viral video filmed inside Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility.
Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo has been identified among the offenders seen dancing and playing music inside Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility in a video that has circulated on social media.
The footage prompted an urgent response from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), with National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale ordering an immediate search operation in the unit where the offenders featured in the video are accommodated.
The operation uncovered a substantial quantity of unauthorised items, including five cellphones, 194 Mandrax tablets, dagga, illicit cigarettes and various potentially dangerous objects.
Nxumalo said the nature and extent of the items recovered underscored the seriousness of the security breaches the department was determined to address.
The department confirmed that offenders identified in the footage, as well as those found in possession of contraband, would face internal disciplinary proceedings in accordance with applicable procedures.
Their conduct would also be taken into consideration when their profiles are assessed, with possible implications for their correctional placement, privileges and other relevant considerations.
Nxumalo said an investigation would establish how the electronic device used to record the video, along with other prohibited items, was smuggled into the correctional facility.
The investigation would also examine any possible involvement or negligence by correctional services officials.
Appropriate action would be taken where wrongdoing is established.
The removal of illegal and unauthorised items from correctional facilities remains a key priority under Thobakgale's leadership.
The National Commissioner has repeatedly called on management areas to maintain secure facilities free from contraband and activities that undermine the department's mandate.
Nxumalo said Thobakgale had reiterated that correctional facilities were not places where offenders could disregard established rules and security protocols with impunity.
The department said maintaining discipline across correctional facilities remained cardinal, adding that no individual, whether an offender or an official, would be allowed to undermine the integrity of the correctional system.
