NELSPRUIT - A 43-year old female warden was arrested for possession of dagga in the morning of yesterday Friday, 26 August 2022. Her arrest came after the facility manager arrived at the Correctional Centre to conduct a morning parade with all employees reporting for duty.

During the parade, the facility manager with her team announced that according to the procedures of the department of Correctional Services, no employee is allowed to enter the premises with a hand or grocery bag unless it is transparent for everyone to see the items inside.

Whilst at the parade, everyone was informed that a search and seizure will be conducted to prevent possible drugs smuggling.

As the search and seizure was carried out, the said warden reportedly tried to hide her handbag however she was noticed. She allegedly ran from the parade to her office where she hid her handbag and went out to another office.

Some of the members conducting the search then followed her to her office and could not find her, instead they only found her in another office. After being questioned on why she left the parade without permission, she allegedly indicated that she was rushing for her duties.

Furthermore, she was asked about her handbag which she hid in her office but she could not give a proper explanation as to where the bag was. The team then searched her office and found a bag stashed with dagga weighing about 0.186 grams to the estimated street value of about R1 500-00 as well as a cellphone. Though the warden denied knowledge of the dagga, she was arrested and a case of illegal possession of dagga opened against her.

The warden is expected to appear soon before the Bethal Magistrate's Court facing the said charges.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and further urged all law enforcement officials to always set an example in upholding the law.

Source: South African Police Service