Gang attack at Pollsmoor prison leaves three inmates dead

Zuko Komisa

A gang-led attack on officials at Pollsmoor Prison resulted in three inmates dead and two correctional officers injured.
The assault involved three inmates using sharpened objects on the officials in the Remand Detention Facility.
The fatal incident follows a recent announcement of a management intervention to address systemic failures at the facility.

A gang-led attack on correctional officers at Pollsmoor Prison last week resulted in the deaths of three inmates and injuries to two officials, National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale confirmed Tuesday.

The assault in the Remand Detention Facility involved three inmates, armed with sharpened objects, who ambushed officials Mendo Somdyala and Wuve Rubushe.

Force was used to subdue the attackers.

Tragically, inmates Bonginkosi Jali, Andre Gouws, and Ricardo Krotz later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Both injured officials have been treated and discharged.

The incident comes shortly after authorities announced a management intervention to address systemic failures at the prison.

An investigation into the use of force and the attack is ongoing.