A third Pollsmoor Prison inmate died Friday from injuries after a clash on Wednesday at the remand facility in Tokai, Cape Town, the Department of Correctional Services said. Two inmates were killed at the scene, and two correctional officials were hospitalized with stab wounds. The episode renewed concern about safety at one of South Africa’s most crowded prisons, where some sections operate at more than 150 percent capacity and gang tensions often erupt.
Officials said investigators are probing the attack and reviewing security measures to stabilize the site. Police are collecting evidence as unions and rights groups call for action on staffing, training, and overcrowding. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union said the assault appeared planned amid rising gang violence. Authorities have not released the victims’ names or updated the condition of the injured officials, who were stabilized after treatment.
Officials said investigators are probing the attack and reviewing security measures to stabilize the site. Police are collecting evidence as unions and rights groups call for action on staffing, training, and overcrowding. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union said the assault appeared planned amid rising gang violence. Authorities have not released the victims’ names or updated the condition of the injured officials, who were stabilized after treatment.
