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Mahalapye Prison’s thriving underground economy

Friday, December 05, 2025 | 490 Views |

Contraband is the lifeblood of a thriving underground economy, including mobile phones, drugs, and cigarettes

MAHALAPYE: Oftentimes, we hear of the prison shadow economy. Mmegi Staffer SHARON MATHALA uncovers the horrifying reality behind the locked gates of Mahalapye State Prison in this exclusive interview with inmates

According to the inmates who spoke to Mmegi from inside Mahalapye State Prison recently on condition of anonymity, what unfolded recently at the Mahalapye Prison was not a routine search, nor a simple security sweep that officials often reference as preceded by unusual movements.

The operation was not a usual standard search but a targeted assault carried out while key inmates were quietly removed. It was strange indeed.

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