A viral video showing disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo seemingly dancing and enjoying himself inside a correctional facility has prompted an investigation by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), with an urgent search operation uncovering a significant haul of unauthorised items at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, appears to show Teffo among a group of offenders dancing and playing music inside the facility, raising questions about security and the presence of prohibited electronic devices behind prison walls.
The department confirmed on Friday night, that it had taken action following the video’s circulation, with National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale ordering an urgent search of the unit where the offenders featured in the footage are accommodated.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of five cellphones, three routers, one laptop, two bank cards, 11 chargers and three USB devices.
Correctional officials also recovered 16 packets of illicit cigarettes, five balls of dagga, 194 Mandrax tablets, two hacksaw blades and various sharp objects.
The discovery has raised further concerns about how prohibited items, including electronic equipment capable of recording and distributing footage, found their way into the correctional facility.
Teffo was arrested by police in mid-September 2026 after arriving at the Legal Practice Council (LPC) premises in Pretoria.
His arrest came amid his ongoing legal troubles following his removal from the legal profession. He has previously attracted considerable public attention through his involvement in high-profile criminal cases, including the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, where he represented some of the accused before his disbarment.
The latest video has reignited debate about prison security, discipline and whether offenders have access to privileges and prohibited items that should be unavailable inside correctional facilities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the department said offenders found in possession of contraband, as well as those identified in the video, would face internal disciplinary proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations.
Their conduct would also be considered when assessing their profiles, with possible consequences for their correctional placement, privileges and other relevant considerations.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the department would investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the electronic device used to record the footage and other prohibited items were smuggled into the facility.
The investigation will also examine whether correctional officials were involved in the breach or were negligent in carrying out their duties.
The department said appropriate action would follow should any wrongdoing by officials be established.
The extent of the items recovered during the search has placed the spotlight on the department’s efforts to eliminate contraband from correctional facilities, where cellphones and other unauthorised electronic devices can potentially compromise security and facilitate criminal activities.
Commissioner Thobakgale has reiterated that correctional centres are not places where offenders can disregard established rules and security protocols without consequences.
The department said the removal of illegal and unauthorised items remained a key priority under his leadership, with intensified searches and security operations being implemented across management areas.
It stressed that maintaining discipline and ensuring secure correctional facilities were central to its mandate.
“No individual, whether an offender or an official, will be allowed to undermine the integrity of the correctional system,” the department said.
The investigation is expected to establish how the offenders gained access to the prohibited items and whether there were failures in security procedures at the facility.
The department has not indicated when the investigation will be concluded.
