Image: The dagga and cellphone that were discovered hidden inside a packet of instant porridge at the Standerton Correctional Centre.
A 31-year-old parolee was arrested at the Standerton Correctional Centre on Sunday, 18 January, after allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga and a cellphone into the prison cells.
According to police, the suspect was visiting an inmate at the facility when officials searched food items he had brought along. During the inspection, a plastic bag containing dagga and a cellphone was discovered hidden inside a packet of instant porridge.
The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice. He is expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, 19 January 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and warned that anyone attempting to smuggle illegal items into correctional facilities will face the full might of the law.