Officials raid Drakenstein Prison for contraband items

CAPE TOWN - Now ‘tis the season to be jolly, but it's also sadly the time when criminals take advantage of the relaxed festive mood we are all in.

While most people are on a well-deserved break, criminals are working overtime.

Correctional Services officials say they too have their hands full over the holiday season due to staff shortages.

An unannounced raid took place at the Drakenstein Maximum Security Prison to look for drugs, dangerous objects and cash.

Makgothi Thobakgale, Correctional Services National Commissioner, says when crime in the country intensifies, so too do criminal activities in prisons, especially when many staff members are on a break.

* eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.