Correctional Services deploying tech to trace illegal cellphones in prisons

[Jan]

Illegal cellphones in South African prisons traced to exact locations

The Minister of Correctional Services says that prisons in South Africa are piloting a new technology to stop prisoners from smuggling cellphones into their cells and using them.

In a recent interview with Carte Blanche, Minister Pieter Groenewald said the new technology, which uses signal tracing to locate contraband devices, is currently being employed in three prisons.

 

[G.A.S]

In one financial year, ... confiscated about 37,000 cellphones.
... more than 41,000 cellphones were confiscated between 2024 and 2025.

More likely a few 100s-1000s of cellphones being confiscated over and over and over and over and over and...

 

[ToxicBunny]

I have a great idea, and its likely cheaper than some new fangled tech to "trace" cellphones.

Just block Cell signals completely within the prison, problem solved.

 

[airborne]

If they could actually pull this off it would have a noticeable impact on crime because crime bosses get sent to jail and it's just busy as usual albeit just running from a new location.

 

[ISP cash cow]

I have a great idea, and its likely cheaper than some new fangled tech to "trace" cellphones.

Just block Cell signals completely within the prison, problem solved.

Yeah just block mobile signal

 

[ToxicBunny]

Blocking the signal would also have the side benefit of Correctional Services officers/staff not being able to have their own cell phones and providing a conduit for inmates that way. Also means they can't sit on their asses playing Candy Crush or watching Tik Tok all day.

 

[Heisenborg]

Or maybe just fire the corrupt guards. Just an idea

 

[Grubscrew]

I have a great idea, and its likely cheaper than some new fangled tech to "trace" cellphones.

Just block Cell signals completely within the prison, problem solved.

And how will the guards, watch their tiktok videos then?