Deadly attack at Pollsmoor prison was gang-related - Correctional Services Commissioner Thobakgale

National Correctional Services Commissioner Mokgothi Thobakgale said that the recent deadly attack at Pollsmoor prison was gang-related.

Two officials were injured in last week's attack, and three inmates died.

Thobakgale told reporters at a media briefing on Tuesday that the injured officers had since been discharged from hospital.

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The commissioner said that the deceased inmates were high-ranking members of a prison numbers gang.

He said that while on cleaning duties, inmates Bonginkosi Jali, Ricardo Kotze, and Andre Gouws ambushed the officials and stabbed them. 

"The assault began when Mr Jali emerged from the toilet facility and attacked our official Somjala. Despite his injuries, Mr Somjala managed to run to the unit office for assistance. This is where Mr Rhubushe was stationed and the three detainees followed him into the office and continued their attack on both officials. Mr Peters, another official, arrived during the assault and called for back-up."

Thobakgale said that a probe into this incident was still ongoing.