A string of violent incidents and a high-profile escape in Western Cape correctional centres has been linked to operational failures, weak oversight and breakdowns in basic security controls.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, revealed the findings of three investigations during a media briefing on Monday, pointing to systemic weaknesses rather than once-off mistakes.

Oudtshoorn: Officials Stabbed, Inmate Dies

The first investigation focused on Oudtshoorn Correctional Centre, where four correctional officials were stabbed and offender Simphiwe Celise died on 7 August 2025.

DCS said the violence followed a contraband search operation on 6 August. The investigation found management failed to anticipate retaliation and did not maintain effective command and control, citing weak risk assessment and leadership failures. It also identified serious non-compliance with use-of-force rules. DCS said disciplinary action would be instituted against implicated officials, managers, medical personnel and offenders.

Pollsmoor: Escape Disguised as an “Error”

The second investigation dealt with the September 2025 release of inmate Thembalethu Inganathi Daba from Pollsmoor Remand Detention Facility.

Thobakgale said the incident was not an administrative mistake but a deliberate escape enabled by impersonation and operational failures. DCS said Daba posed as another inmate due in court, bypassed identification processes, misrepresented himself before a magistrate and was released on warning. The escape was only noticed during a routine roll call. Daba was re-arrested 12 days later, with criminal and disciplinary processes under way.

Deadly Stabbings, Staff Breach and “Self-Defence”

The third probe examined an incident at Pollsmoor on 29 October 2025 where two officials were stabbed and three remand detainees died.

DCS said an unauthorised departure by officials created a security breach. Investigators found the deceased inmates initiated the attack and officials acted in self-defence, but some responders used force outside prescripts. Shortcomings were flagged in risk assessment, gang management and inmate supervision, with corrective steps including reclassification, stronger gang management and tighter labour controls.

External Handling and Tougher Accountability

Thobakgale said he recommended to Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald that criminal and disciplinary matters be handled independently and externally from the Western Cape due to instability and alleged organised criminal activity in centres.

Criminologist Professor Nirmala Gopal said external oversight is needed to restore credibility, protect staff and inmates and stop prisons becoming hubs for organised crime.