Monique Muller, the former partner of television personality Katlego Maboe, has opened up about the alleged abuse, overcrowding and poor living conditions she experienced during her nearly three-week detention at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in October 2025.
Also see: Monique Muller: From Influencer to Controversy Amid Gang Allegations in Cape Town
Monique’s account has drawn attention to the conditions she claims women detainees faced inside the facility, including overcrowded cells, limited access to outdoor space and difficulties obtaining medical attention. However, the Department of Correctional Services has strongly disputed her allegations.
Monique Muller recounts her arrest
Speaking to Sunday World, Monique said she was arrested after accepting a lift following a night out.
According to her, metro police stopped the vehicle and discovered a firearm beneath the driver’s seat. All six occupants were subsequently arrested.
Monique maintained that the firearm did not belong to her and that she had no connection to it. The charges against her were later withdrawn.
Her detention at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in October 2025 lasted nearly three weeks, during which she claims to have witnessed and experienced deeply troubling conditions.
Katlego Maboe’s Ex Monique Muller Reveals Shocking Conditions Inside Pollsmoor Prison
Monique Muller, the former partner of television personality Katlego Maboe, has opened up about the alleged abuse, overcrowding and poor living conditions she experienced during her nearly three-week detention at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in October 2025.
Speaking to Sunday World, Muller said she was arrested after accepting a lift following a night out. Metro police stopped the vehicle and discovered a firearm beneath the driver’s seat, leading to the arrest of all six occupants. She maintained that the gun did not belong to her, and the charges against her were later withdrawn.
Muller alleged that approximately 90 women were forced to share a cell with one toilet and a broken shower. She claimed detainees were allowed outside for just 15 minutes on two occasions during her stay and struggled to access telephone services.
She also described disturbing incidents, including a woman allegedly giving birth inside a cell, another inmate having her finger bitten off, and a detainee being severely assaulted without immediate intervention from prison officials.
Muller further claimed that an injured inmate waited three days for medical attention and that warders threatened to punish her when she complained about conditions.
The Department of Correctional Services has strongly rejected her allegations, describing them as “completely fallacious.” The department maintains that proper healthcare, safety and oversight measures are in place.
Muller, who shares a son with Maboe, also claims that misleading reports about her arrest have been used against her in their ongoing custody dispute.
Muller and Maboe previously made headlines in 2020 following public allegations of infidelity and domestic abuse, which Maboe denied. A Cape Town court later cleared him of misconduct allegations in 2022.
The specific incidents described by Muller have not been independently verified.
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 11, 2026
‘90 Women, one toilet’: Monique describes overcrowding
Monique alleged that approximately 90 women were forced to share a single cell with just one toilet and a broken shower.
She also claimed that detainees had extremely limited opportunities to spend time outside. Monique said they were allowed outside for only 15 minutes on two occasions during her entire stay.
Access to telephone services was another challenge she highlighted, alleging that communicating with people outside the facility was difficult.
Her claims paint a picture of overcrowding and inadequate facilities, although the specific conditions she described have not been independently verified.
Disturbing incidents and alleged medical neglect
Monique also recounted several disturbing incidents she claims took place during her detention.
Among the incidents she described was an alleged birth inside a cell, as well as an incident in which one inmate reportedly had her finger bitten off.
She further alleged that another detainee was severely assaulted without immediate intervention from prison officials.
Monique claimed that an injured inmate waited three days before receiving medical attention. She also alleged that warders threatened to punish her after she raised concerns about the conditions inside the facility.
These accounts have not been independently confirmed, and the Department of Correctional Services has rejected her allegations.
Also see: Katlego Maboe’s ex, Monique Muller, on the wrong side of the law
Correctional Services rejects the allegations
The Department of Correctional Services has strongly disputed Monique’s account, describing her allegations as “completely fallacious”.
The department maintains that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the provision of healthcare, the safety of inmates and oversight within correctional facilities.
The conflicting accounts have placed the focus on the allegations made by Monique and the department’s response. Further independent verification would be needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the specific incidents she described.
Monique Muller claims arrest reports have affected custody dispute
Monique, who shares a son with Katlego, also alleged that misleading reports about her arrest have been used against her in the ongoing custody dispute between the former couple.
Their relationship previously attracted significant public attention in 2020 following allegations of infidelity and domestic abuse. Katlego denied the allegations.
In 2022, a Cape Town court cleared Katlego of misconduct allegations.
The former couple’s personal circumstances have continued to attract public interest, particularly their relationship and co-parenting arrangements, which have featured in public discussion.
What happens next?
Monique’s account has brought renewed attention to her detention at Pollsmoor and the conditions she alleges she encountered while in custody.
While she has detailed claims of overcrowding, alleged violence and delays in medical care, the Department of Correctional Services has rejected her version of events.
The specific incidents described by Monique remain unverified. The department’s response and any further independently established information will be important in determining the facts surrounding her allegations.
Also see: Katlego Maboe’s ex, Monique Muller, on Nadia Jaftha’s family GBV allegations
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