Pollsmoor gang hit leaves three dead, staff wounded

Prison gang leaders orchestrated a fatal assault at Pollsmoor Prison that killed three inmates and wounded two correctional officers, National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale announced on Tuesday. The violent episode occurred on Wednesday, October 29, when inmates Bonginkosi Jali, Ricardo Kotze and Andre Gouws attacked staff members during standard cleaning operations. Officer Somjala suffered stab wounds after Jali emerged from a restroom facility and pursued him to an office where colleague Rhubushe was working. A third employee named Peters arrived as the assault continued and requested emergency assistance.

Both injured officers have left medical care and are recuperating at their residences. Two attackers died immediately while the third succumbed to wounds sustained in the confrontation. Thobakgale identified all three deceased individuals as senior figures within a numbers gang operating inside the facility. Labor organizations expressed alarm about workplace dangers facing correctional employees and suggested systematic vulnerabilities enabled the ambush.

Authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attack through witness statements and available security recordings. Prison administrators have implemented additional safety protocols at the complex while investigators determine whether intelligence failures allowed the coordinated strike.