JOHANNESBURG – Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha on Thursday said his department was exploring the idea of using cell phone jamming devices in prisons to prevent inmates from illegally using mobile phones behind bars.

Masutha was responding to a question posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) about what government was doing to stop inmates from using cell phones in prisons in the National Council of Provinces.

The minister said the department would have to reach an agreement with The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) before jammers could be installed.

Masutha said there were cell phone detection systems in various prisons.

He said regular searches, the use of portable detection units and the procurement of body scanning equipment would also help to address the problem.

On Wednesday State Security defended its right to own and use signal disruptors.(from ewn.co.za)