Two inmates were killed during a violent Pollsmoor prison attack at Pollsmoor Remand Correctional Facility in Cape Town on Wednesday 29 October. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that the incident began when inmates launched a stabbing attack on officials.
Correctional staff acted swiftly to contain the situation and used force to restore order inside the facility. The department said calm was restored shortly after the Pollsmoor prison attack. Several people were injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) attended the scene, while DCS has launched an internal investigation to determine what led to the violence.
National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale condemned the attack, calling it “unwarranted and deeply saddening, especially when lives are lost” in such a Pollsmoor prison attack.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining safety and discipline across all correctional centres.
“The department assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to protect both officials and inmates,” Thobakgale said, addressing the concerns following the Pollsmoor prison attack.
DCS has urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue.
For more information, contact DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo at Singabakho.Nxumalo@dcs.gov.za
