Gang dominance fuelled Pollsmoor stabbing, prison service boss says

THE National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale has revealed shocking details of the gang-related stabbing at Pollsmoor Prison a week ago, where three inmates lost their lives and two correctional officers injured.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

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.

During a media briefing held yesterday, Thobakgale gave a blow-by-blow account of the attack.

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