The Pollsmoor prison gang attack on 29 October left three inmates dead and two correctional officers injured. Consequently, the Department of Correctional Services has pledged to tighten security and intensify efforts to curb gangsterism inside the facility.
National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgothale addressed the media at Pollsmoor on Tuesday 4 November. He confirmed the attack was gang-related and part of a broader crackdown on illicit activity within Pollsmoor prison.
“This assault appears to have been a deliberate act of defiance, an attempt to reassert gang dominance,” said Thobakgothale. “Gangsterism has no place in our correctional system. It undermines rehabilitation and endangers lives.”
Fatal attack in unit D3
The attack occurred in Unit D3 of the Remand Detention Facility when three inmates armed with sharpened objects assaulted correctional officers Mendo Somdyala and Wuve Rubushe. Although both officers were injured, they have since been discharged from hospital. Such incidents highlight the dangers officers face amidst these gang-driven attacks.
The deceased inmates were Bonginkosi Jali (46), Ricardo Krotz (28) and Andre Gouws (22). Notably, Jali was reportedly a self-proclaimed “General” of the 26 Gang.
Police have opened an inquest docket, and Unit D remains under lockdown.
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Stabilisation measures introduced
Thobakgothale said the department had deployed a stabilisation team to Pollsmoor in September to address operational weaknesses and restore order. Among the measures implemented were initiatives to prevent incidents like the recent notorious Pollsmoor gang attack:
- Profiling and reclassification of inmates to improve risk management
- Introduction of a biometric fingerprint system
- Dedicated court-preparation cells
- Redeployment of 33 experienced officials to strengthen supervision
- Stricter access controls for staff
“These interventions were necessary to reassert authority and correct poor compliance,” said Thobakgothale. “However, they disrupted entrenched networks, and resistance culminated in last week’s incident.”
New leadership at Pollsmoor
Ntomboxolo Kungune has been appointed as the new Area Commissioner for Pollsmoor. She previously served as Area Commissioner at Drakenstein and will oversee the continued implementation of corrective measures in response to issues revealed by the recent gang attack.
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Gang-combating strategy
The department’s strategy focuses on intelligence-led operations, staff training to identify and prevent gang mobilisation, and rehabilitation programmes that offer education, vocational training, and psychological support. As a result, these initiatives aim to help inmates break away from gang culture and prevent future gang attacks inside Pollsmoor prison.
“Our mission remains to restore order, uphold safety, and promote rehabilitation,” said Thobakgothale. “Therefore, we must confront this challenge not with fear, but with resolve and unity.”
