A PRISON officer at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein was arrested on Thursday morning after he was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle drugs into the G4S-run facility using his lunch box.
The breakthrough came during a joint operation between the Department of Correctional Services and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Acting on intelligence, officials conducted a random search during which the 36-year-old officer’s locker and lunch box were inspected.
Using a fork to probe the contents of the lunch box, officials discovered 149 Mandrax tablets tightly sealed with masking tape, along with compressed dagga concealed in a transparent plastic bag and hidden beneath the food.
The suspect, employed as a direct supervision officer at the prison, was immediately arrested by G4S managers with assistance from the SAPS Bloemspruit Visible Policing Unit.
A case of possession of drugs has since been opened at the Bloemspruit Police Station.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court in the coming days.
Authorities say the arrest underscores intensified efforts to curb corruption and the smuggling of contraband into correctional facilities.