Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has renewed his call for cellphone signal-blocking technology at Pollsmoor Prison, warning that inmates are using phones to orchestrate extortion rackets and gang operations from behind bars.
In a letter to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Hill-Lewis argued that prisoners should not have unrestricted communication with the outside world, stressing that many continue directing criminal activity from their cells — including threats against contractors working with the City.
“Prisoners simply do not have the right to communicate freely beyond the prison walls,” he said, as quoted by The Citizen.
His appeal comes amid mounting concern over South Africa’s high re-offending rate.
Recent data shows that thousands of parolees and probationers have committed new crimes while under state supervision. In some Cape Flats communities, the re-offending rate is estimated to be above 30%, according to News24.
[WATCH]
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis wants cellphone signal-blocking tech in prisons, starting with Pollsmoor, to curb inmate-linked crimes. Human rights organisations have slammed this decision. pic.twitter.com/VkNUCcG4G9— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 27, 2025
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has argued that this undermines trust in the justice system and endangers vulnerable communities. Party officials say urgent reforms to parole monitoring and rehabilitation are needed, as stated by DA representatives in media briefings.
Correctional authorities, meanwhile, have acknowledged the scale of the problem.
The national prisons commissioner said that cellphone signal-blocking at facilities such as Pollsmoor was “inevitable” to stem the flow of criminal instructions from inside prison walls.
However, rights organisations have warned that such measures could have unintended consequences.
The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) cautioned that blanket jamming could interfere with constitutionally protected communication between inmates, their families, and legal representatives.
The group has called for alternatives that respect prisoners’ rights while still addressing crime.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
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