Hillary Gardee murder suspect moved to maximum facility over cellphone possession
One of the men facing charges in the Hillary Gardee murder case has been moved to a maximum facility.
This after the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed Philemon Lukhele was found in possession of a cellphone behind bars.
Lukhele is among three people that were arrested earlier this month after the lifeless body of Gardee was found in Mpumalanga, days after she was reported missing.
"An investigation is currently underway as it is critical to ascertain the circumstances under which this mobile phone was smuggled and the people involved. A criminal case has also been registered with the South African Police Service," said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
"Remand Detainee Lukhele has been transferred to a Maximum Section of the Barberton Correctional Centre."
Mobile phones are classified as a contraband inside correctional facilities, making them unauthorised items.
"For the country to have safe and secure correctional centres, we expect nothing but strict adherence to safety standards from all those who interface with the Department of Correctional Services. Hence, visitors, inmates, officials and private citizens caught contravening our regulations shall be dealt with through the criminal justice system.
"DCS' resolve is clear, those involved in the smuggling of contrabands shall never be spared any mercy," Nxumalo added.
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