Latest news with #DCS
Tom's Guide
17 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 17e just tipped to get three big upgrades
Apple's mainline iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in a few short weeks, and all four models will be fairly expensive. But if you wait a few months, the budget-friendly iPhone 17e should launch next spring with several welcome upgrades. Rumors indicate that Apple plans to make the 'e' series of iPhones an annual release beginning with this year's iPhone 16e. This week regular leaker Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo about the iPhone 17e revealing a number of specs. Some are familiar but three upgrades stuck out to us: When the iPhone SEl became the 'e' series, it breathed new life into a model that was several years out of date. If Apple moves to an annual release schedule, it needs to justify regular upgrades. So, the A19 chip isn't too surprising. The iPhone 17e needs to keep up with Apple Intelligence upgrades and iOS changes from generation to generation, so a more powerful chip is welcome and necessary. The A19 is rumored to be the first 2nm TSMC chip to feature in any phone, and should bring major performance and power efficiency upgrades over the A18 chip powering the iPhone 16e The 16e also features a notch instead of Dynamic Island, so losing it would make the 17e feel more like a modern iPhone. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. DCS mentions that the industrial design has 'changed significantly.' It's not clear what they mean by this, and it's not elucidated in responses to comments under the post. Presumably, this isn't about the Dynamic Island, but it's something to keep an eye out for. Some other iPhone 17e specs reported by DCS include things that are currently available in the iPhone 16e. Those include a 6.1-inch OLED display and the same 60Hz refresh rate. It will also have a 48MP single rear camera, 12MP front-facing camera and Face ID. Current rumors have the iPhone 17e launching in May of 2026, a few months later than the late February release of the iPhone 16e. What we don't know right now is how much cheaper the iPhone 17e will be than the flagship iPhone 17 line. With the ongoing rollercoaster that is President Trump's tariffs, the price next year could be the same $599 as the 16e or significantly higher. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
GSM Arena
12-08-2025
- GSM Arena
Redmi Note 15 Pro series to launch in China this month
The Note Pro series is among Xiaomi's best-selling lineups, and, like clockwork, a new generation is set to launch this month. Redmi General Manager, Wang Teng Thomas, confirmed on social media that the Redmi Note 15 Pro series will be unveiled in China this month. The company official did not reveal an exact launch date, but confirmed that the Note 15 Pro series will offer high-end quality. The lineup is expected to include the Note 15 Pro and Note 15 Pro+. Wang also shared that the Redmi Note lineup has now been shipped to more than 100 countries and was the best-selling smartphone in China in the $175 and $499 price bracket in H1 2025. Meanwhile, tipster DCS shared some new details regarding the Note 15 Pro lineup. The base model is rumored to offer 'drop resistance and waterproofing' that's better than the Honor X70. The tipster also noted that the Pro+ model will also get an upgraded screen and cameras alongside better durability. According to recent leaks, the Note 15 Pro+ will be the first Redmi phone to offer satellite connectivity in China. We should learn more about the Note 15 Pro phones in the coming days. Source 1 • Source 2
The Citizen
12-08-2025
- The Citizen
Here's the amount of drugs that were confiscated in SA's prisons last year
The Department of Correctional Services recently released a breakdown of the drugs confiscated by prison officials. Prisoners in South African correctional facilities are still being caught in possession of large quantities of contraband substances. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) revealed the scale of drugs confiscated by authorities in a recent written parliamentary engagement. The department came under fire earlier this year for not curbing drug use in prisons, but Minister Pieter Groenewald's office states there has been an increased focus on the matter. Gauteng marijuana busts down Figures released by DCS showed confiscations were lower in Gauteng's eight correctional facilities than the rest of the country. In the 2024/25 financial year, officials confiscated 282kg of marijuana and roughly 4kg of crystal meth. The quantity of marijuana confiscated was down considerably from the previous financial year, where Gauteng's prisons contributed a combined 5 790kg of contraband dagga. However, the quantity of crystal meth confiscated had increased, with the 2023/24 financial year recording roughly 3.5kg of contraband product. Other substances popular with prisoners were mandrax and nyaope, with confiscations totalling an average of between 250 and 400 grams per Gauteng facility. Select national confiscations Highlights from prisons across the country in the 2024/25 financial year include almost five tons — 4 928kgs — of marijuana confiscated at Durban Maximum, as well as 1 400kg of the plant being found at another KwaZulu-Natal facility, Ncome Medium. Almost 7 000kg of marijuana were confiscated in Barberton, as well as 6 679kg in Klerksdorp and 5 467kg in Rustenburg. East London had the highest annual confiscation with 20 805kg, while another Eastern Cape facility Kirkwood recorded 9 927kg of confiscated marijuana. Kimberley recorded 1.2kg of contraband mandrax, a brick of tik was found inside the Upington facility and a rare confiscation of 350 litres of homemade beer was recorded in Virginia. In the Western Cape, 10 correctional services facilities recorded a combined 357kg of confiscated marijuana in the past financial year. Of the more potent narcotics smuggled in smaller quantities, Goodwood registered 22kg of confiscated mandrax last year. Security measures questioned The DA had earlier in the year questioned DCS' security measures, stating that up to 50 mandrax tablets were confiscated per day in the Western Cape's prisons. 'The statistics of what has been confiscated are staggering, but the real truth of what has been consumed without being caught is the very real crisis,' said DA parliamentarian Nicholas Gotsell. ActionSA stated there was no adherence to the department's drug master plan and claimed that the drug trade thrived in prisons. 'There is zero effort to curb open and shameless drug dealing within prison walls. Shockingly, prisoners are not subjected to drug tests upon entry,' said ActionSA's Dereleen James. ALSO READ: Billions' worth of weight loss and diabetes medications reached SA shelves and patients in 2024 DCS minister Pieter Groenewald's office said that the department was conducting regular security operations focusing on targeted surprise cell searches 'The department has adapted its strategies in response to the constantly evolving smuggling methods employed by offenders and external networks,' Groenewald's spokesperson Euné Oelofsen told The Citizen on Monday. 'This includes enhanced intelligence gathering which has led to numerous intercepts of contraband before it reaches prison gates.' Sources of smuggling DCS said challenges remained, but believed the measures were showing signs of disrupting the smuggling of drugs into prisons. Identifying the sources of smuggled contraband were key, with the minister's office listing the primary contributors. DCS said offenders returning from court appearances, hospital visits or work programmes were smuggling substances back in with them, while corrupt officials were also to blame. '[There is] a small minority of personnel who betray the public trust by participating in or facilitating smuggling activities,' Oelofsen said. She added that contractors and service providers who had access to prisons for maintenance, supply or service delivery were also exploiting their position. 'The department continues to strengthen vetting, monitoring, and search procedures for all three categories to reduce the risk of contraband entering correctional centres,' Oelofsen concluded. NOW READ: Weapons, drugs and corruption plague South African prisons, say experts
The Citizen
08-08-2025
- The Citizen
Oudtshoorn prison under control after fatal stabbing incident
Inmates from Room 005 allegedly launched a premeditated and violent assault on officials. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says the situation at the Oudtshoorn Medium A Correctional Centre is under control after the stabbing of officials and the death of an inmate. It is understood that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning, August 6, during a search operation conducted at the centre. Search Correctional Service spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said during the operation, inmates housed in Room 005 of A-Section initially refused to comply. Nxumalo said after 'interventions', officials were able to gain access and continue with the search. ALSO READ: WATCH: Death penalty and corporal punishment return suggested as Groenewald fires off warning He said tensions rose as some offenders resisted being searched, but officials managed to stabilise the situation and complete the operation. Stabbing Nxumalo added that there were about eighteen officials on duty at the time of the incident. 'Several contraband items, including cellphones and narcotics, were confiscated. In a clear act of retaliation, on 7 August 2025 at approximately 07h55, offenders from Room 005 launched a premeditated and violent assault on officials during unlock procedures,' Nxumalo said. 'Four of them sustained injuries, including stab wounds to the face, head, and back. They received medical attention, and the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has been activated to provide support to them and their families. 'One offender involved in the altercation sustained injuries and, despite receiving medical attention, sadly passed away,' Nxumalo said. Investigations Nxumalo said they are investigating the incident. 'The situation at the centre is currently under control. Offenders implicated in the stabbings have been placed in single cells pending disciplinary action. A-Unit has been re-searched, resulting in the confiscation of additional weapons. 'All offender activities and visits have been suspended until further notice. This loss of life is unfortunate and will be subject to further investigation in line with departmental procedures.' Stabbing condemned National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale condemned the incident. 'The safety of officials and inmates remains our foremost priority. Incidents of this nature are deeply concerning, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating all contributing factors,' Thobakgale said. ALSO READ: Correctional Services committee urged to implement PP report on Bester escape [VIDEO]
Daily Maverick
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Breaking the crime cycle — Bail Fund could ease prison overcrowding
South Africa's prisons are overcrowded by 53%, with remand detainees accounting for almost a third of those incarcerated. While legislative efforts to reduce overcrowding have been ineffective, the Bail Fund could help those who can't afford to pay their bail. Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald has said remand detainees have a direct bearing on prisons' bed capacity, which is one of several factors contributing to prison overcrowding. There are just 107,000 beds in South African prisons, but about 166,000 inmates are housed in the country's 243 correctional centres, resulting in a 53% overcrowding rate. This negatively affects safety and security, gang violence, and the success of rehabilitation programmes. In March this year, Daily Maverick's Caryn Dolley reported that cellphones, alcohol, smoking pipes, drugs and even tattoo machines are passing through South Africa's overcrowded prisons as inmates and corrupt officials collude to form a key part of organised crime networks. Groenewald, speaking during the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) budget vote in July, said there were 107,067 bed spaces available, currently occupied by 104,550 sentenced inmates. There are almost 60,000 remand detainees (those awaiting trial or sentencing), pushing the number of beds needed to around 166,000. The minister stressed that remand detainees significantly contributed to overcrowding, noting that the department had to admit all court-referred persons, regardless of capacity. Currently, 2,530 remand detainees remained in custody solely because they could not afford bail of R1,000 or less, despite having been granted bail by courts. Keeping each of these individuals in custody costs the taxpayer R463 per person per day. Prison overcrowding and high recidivism rates are linked, creating a dangerous cycle. Overcrowded facilities make it impossible to provide adequate living conditions and effective rehabilitation programmes. Without effective rehabilitation, ex-prisoners are more likely to reoffend upon release, which contributes to more overcrowding when they re-enter the prison system. Legal strategies fail to curb overcrowding Another impediment to overcrowding, as heard by the parliamentary correctional services committee on Friday, 25 July, was the low success rate of legislation targeted at reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities around the country. The DCS briefed the committee on the use of Section 49G of the Correctional Services Act (CSA) and Section 62F of the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) applications. Both sections aim to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. Section 49G says a remand detainee may not be detained for more than two years without the matter being brought to the attention of the court. The head of the remand centre must refer the case to the court at least three months before the two-year detention period lapses. If the detainee remains in custody following the initial review, further submissions to the court must be made on an annual basis. Section 62F of the CPA allows courts to impose additional bail conditions, such as placing an accused person under probation or correctional supervision, rather than in remand. Both sections have done little to alleviate overcrowding. The committee heard that Section 62F was underused while the success rate for the 12,283 Section 49G applications in 2022/23 was 1.25% nationally, with the Eastern Cape and Western Cape both indicating a 0% success rate. 'In terms of the outcomes of Section 49G application, especially relating to the Eastern Cape, it's a very serious concern. The committee will raise this with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development that deals with referrals,' said correctional services committee chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng. Efforts at solutions The Bail Fund could offer a viable solution to easing overcrowding in correctional facilities. The fund aims to address the injustice faced by remand detainees who cannot afford bail amounts under R1,000 by providing financial assistance. The fund will rely solely on private funding. A pilot project in the Western Cape is being developed to test its feasibility, with eligibility criteria excluding individuals accused of serious crimes such as gender-based violence (GBV). Courts will determine suitability, ensuring beneficiaries do not pose a public risk, have a fixed address and will comply with bail conditions. The fund is led by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (Jics) with support from the Bertha Foundation and other stakeholders. It has produced a feasibility study and raised roughly half of the required pilot money through philanthropy. A trust has been formed to oversee the fund. The next stages are to secure additional funding, designate trustees and finalise eligibility guidelines. Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Service (Jics) inspecting Judge Edwin Cameron has described the more than 2,500 remand detainees who remain in prison because they can't afford bail as 'prisoners of poverty'. He said it was a grave injustice which significantly contributed to South Africa's prison overcrowding problem. Parliamentary committee chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng indicated that committee members agreed that much work needed to be done on the project, including an extensive public participation process to establish whether communities would be in favour of such a fund. 'The committee encouraged Jics to continue with its groundwork on the project with other stakeholders like the South African Police Service and the NPA. It is important to thoroughly engage communities, as offenders on bail will have to go back to families and communities. 'The committee will monitor this space and engage Jics and other stakeholders once it has sight of a more comprehensive plan,' she said. Foreign nationals 'extra burden' To alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities, Groenewald wants to deport foreign prisoners. More than 12,000 foreign prisoners make up 19% of the remand population, which the minister says contributes to overcrowding. Another about 12,000 are serving sentences, who make up just over 12% of sentenced prisoners. During his budget speech, Groenewald emphasised: 'The South African taxpayer foots the bill for just over 24,000 foreign nationals. Calculated at R463 per day, this results in an expense of R11,112,000 per day. We are currently exploring various solutions, including diplomatic approaches.' He said bilateral engagements with South African Development Community countries to deport offenders who were foreign nationals aimed to ease overcrowding in correctional facilities. The process is already under way, with the Protocol on the Management of Foreign Nationals: Remand Detainees and Persons Detained for Deportation signed by Correctional Services, SAPS, and the Department of Home Affairs. According to the minister, a process is under way to amend the Criminal Procedure Act to enable the deportation of offenders who were foreign nationals. DM
