Western cape: A gang-led attack on officials at Pollsmoor Prison in the Western Cape has resulted in the death of three inmates and two correctional officers injured. National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, confirmed the incident during a media briefing on Tuesday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the attack occurred last week, approximately a month after authorities announced a management intervention at the prison to address systemic failures. Correctional officials Mr. Wuve Rubushe and Mr. Mendo Somdyala were performing routine duties in Unit D3 of the Remand Detention Facility when detainee Bonginkosi Jali requested to use the toilet facility. Jali, along with two other detainees, Ricardo Krotz and Andre Gouws, was armed with sharpened objects and initiated the attack.

Thobakgale detailed that the assault began when Jali attacked Mr. Somdyala, who, despite his injuries, managed to seek assistance. The attackers pursued him into the unit office, continuing their assault. Backup arrived, disarming and removing the detainees. Jali and Gouws died on the same day, while Krotz succumbed to his injuries on 31 October 2025.

Both injured officials were treated and discharged from Constantiaberg Hospital. Thobakgale reiterated the necessity of using force in this instance to preserve life and assured that all incidents involving force are subjected to investigation to ensure compliance with regulations.

Thobakgale highlighted that the initial management intervention disrupted entrenched practices, provoking resistance among those benefiting from the previous system. The incident is believed to be gang-related, aimed at asserting dominance following renewed enforcement of discipline. Jali was reportedly a self-proclaimed ‘General’ of the 26 Gang, underscoring the deep-rooted challenge of gangsterism within correctional facilities.

Thobakgale emphasized the department’s comprehensive Gang Combating Strategy, focusing on intelligence-led operations, enhanced staff training, stricter internal controls, and expanded rehabilitation programs. A new Area Commissioner, Ntomboxolo Kungune, has been appointed to reinforce leadership stability at Pollsmoor.

Thobakgale concluded by expressing determination to restore order, uphold safety, and promote rehabilitation, urging unity in confronting the challenge of gangsterism to ensure correctional centers remain places of transformation.