Two inmates killed during stabbing chaos at Pollsmoor Prison

On October 29, 2025, a violent stabbing incident erupted at Pollsmoor Remand Correctional Facility in Cape Town, South Africa, where a group of inmates attacked correctional officials with makeshift weapons, leading to the deaths of two inmates and injuries to several others, including warders. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that officials used necessary force to regain control, restoring calm by mid-morning, with injured parties rushed to hospitals for treatment. DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo condemned the "unwarranted and deeply saddening" violence, extending condolences to the victims' families and emphasizing the priority of safety for both staff and inmates. An internal investigation is underway to determine the triggers, amid ongoing concerns over Pollsmoor's severe overcrowding—operating at up to 300% capacity despite a 2016 court order for reductions—and recurring gang-related clashes. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) described the attack as "by design," attributing it to idle planning by inmates due to inadequate rehabilitation programs, and called for enhanced security measures like advanced technology and stricter entry protocols. This follows recent security breaches at the facility, including a September 2025 stabbing that injured four warders, highlighting persistent systemic failures in South Africa's overcrowded prisons.