The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has detailed the horrific stabbing incident at Pollsmoor Prison a week ago that left three inmates dead and two correctional officers injured, describing it as a violent gang-related act of defiance against recent crackdowns inside the facility.

The Commissioner said his last visit to the Pollsmoor Management Area was on 29 September 2025 when he introduced a team deployed by Head Office, tasked with stabilising the Pollsmoor Remand Detention Facility.”

“Their deployment followed a thorough assessment that identified several operational and systemic weaknesses which demanded urgent intervention to restore order, accountability, and security,” he said.

“The intervention team was mandated to re-establish proper controls and close gaps that had allowed security breaches and disorder to fester. Measures introduced included the profiling and reclassification of inmates to improve risk management, the introduction of a biometric fingerprint system with 2,480 of the 2,750 detainees already captured and the revival of proper court preparation procedures.

“In addition, 33 experienced officials were returned to the Remand Detention Facility to strengthen supervision, and new movement controls were implemented, requiring all officials exiting the gates to carry authorised permits.

“These interventions were necessary to reassert authority and correct poor compliance,” the Commissioner said.

“However, it is important to acknowledge that such changes, while essential, disrupted entrenched practices and illicit networks that had thrived in the absence of proper control. This inevitably provoked resistance and resentment, creating tensions that, regrettably, culminated in the incident of 29 October 2025.”

According to the Department, the attack occurred shortly after breakfast when remand detainee Bonginkosi Jali, 46, requested to use the toilet. Two other detainees Ricardo Krotz, 28, and Andre Gouws, 22 were cleaning the passage at the time. All three were armed with sharpened objects.

“The assault began when Jali emerged from the toilet facility and attacked Mr Somdyala, stabbing him. Despite his injuries, Mr Somdyala managed to run to the unit office for assistance, where Mr Rubushe was stationed. The three detainees pursued him into the office and continued their attack on both officials.”

Back-up was called, and responding officers managed to disarm and remove the attackers. “Force had to be used to stop the assault,” the Department confirmed.

All three inmates were taken to hospital, but Jali and Gouws died the same day, while Krotz succumbed to his injuries two days later. Both injured officials were treated at Constantiaberg Hospital and have since been discharged.

“We remain deeply thankful for their bravery and continue to support them and their families as they recover from this traumatic event,” the Commissioner said.

A subsequent search of Unit D3 yielded six weapons, including two okapi knives and four sharpened objects. The area remains under lockdown, the SAPS has opened an inquest docket and investigations are ongoing.

Preliminary findings suggest the attack was gang-related, with Jali reportedly a self-proclaimed General of the 26’s-Gang.

“The assault appears to have been a deliberate act of defiance, an attempt to reassert gang dominance in response to the Department’s renewed enforcement of discipline and order,” the statement read.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted gangsterism challenge that continues to threaten safety within correctional facilities,” said the Commissioner. “Gangsterism has no place in our correctional system. It destroys the very essence of rehabilitation and corrodes the moral fabric of our centres.”

The Department said it continues to implement a comprehensive Gang Combating Strategy, focusing on intelligence-led operations, enhanced staff training, tighter internal controls, and expanded rehabilitation programmes aimed at breaking gang influence through education, vocational training, and psychological support.

“While the use of force in this case was unavoidable to preserve life, every incident involving force is subject to full investigation to ensure compliance with the Correctional Services Act. Transparency and accountability remain cornerstones of our operations,” the Commissioner said.

To strengthen leadership, Ntomboxolo Kungune has been appointed as the new Area Commissioner for Pollsmoor, following her previous role as Area Commissioner of Drakenstein.

“Her extensive experience will be invaluable in steering this Management Area toward renewal and improved performance,” the Commissioner said.

“The team deployed by Head Office on 29 September 2025 will remain on site to sustain the momentum, oversee corrective measures, and guide the transition toward a secure, compliant, and rehabilitative environment.”

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