By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
One of the suspects accused of murdering Hillary Gardee has been found in possession of a cellphone while behind bars.
This was confirmed by the the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on Friday.
Police are now investigating a criminal case against the accused, Philemon Lukhele, for allegedly smuggling contraband into his prison cell at the Nelspruit Correctional Centre.
According to DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo mobile phones were classified as a contraband inside correctional facilities, thus making them unauthorised items.
“An investigation is currently under way as it is critical to ascertain the circumstances under which this mobile phone was smuggled and the people involved,” said Nxumalo.
He added that a criminal case has also been registered with the police, Lukhele has been transferred to a maximum section of the Barberton Correctional Centre.
Nxumalo said strict adherence to safety standards from those who interfaced with the DCS was required to ensure that correctional centres were safe and secure.
“Hence, visitors, inmates, officials and private citizens caught contravening our regulations shall be dealt with through the criminal justice system,” said Nxumalo.
The 28-year-old Gardee, the daughter of former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee, was kidnapped, raped, and murdered between April 29 and 30.