The Department of Correctional Services is closely monitoring prisons in the Western Cape after several serious incidents last year, describing the situation in the province as unstable.  

National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale made the remarks during a briefing on the Department of Correctional Services’ festive season operations on Monday.  

The concerns follow investigations into three incidents between August and October.  

“These investigations were conducted in terms of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998, with the objectives of establishing facts, determining accountability, restoring public confidence and ensuring appropriate corrective and disciplinary action,” said Thobakgale.  

One investigation focused on the Oudtshoorn Medium A Correctional Centre, where four officials were stabbed, and an inmate named Simphiwe Celise died in August 2025, during a contraband search operation. 

“The investigation also found that this situation could have been mitigated… There was inadequate risk assessment, insufficient coordination of operational responses, and a lack of decisive leadership to stabilise the unit once the initial search had concluded.” 

READ MORE: Violent prisoner revolt in Oudtshoorn leaves 1 dead, 4 wardens injured – Smile 90.4FM

Thobakgale said disciplinary action will be taken against implicated officials, managers and medical personnel. 

Another investigation related to an administrative error that saw the release of inmate Thembalethu Inganathi Daba from Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in September. He was re-arrested 12 days later the release. 

“The investigation identified failures in inmate supervision, advance availability of court lists and management oversight, including the functionality of biometric systems. Criminal and disciplinary processes are underway, alongside corrective measures to prevent recurrence,” Thobakgale said.  

The third investigation related to another incident at Pollsmoor, this time in October, when two correctional officials came under attack and were stabbed by detainees. Thobakgale said the investigation established that three detainees had died following that incident due to the officials’ reaction.  

“[The probe] found that some of the officials, who responded to the incident, applied force outside the prescripts. The investigation also identified significant shortcomings in risk assessment processes, gang management protocols and the supervision of inmates.” 

Disciplinary action will also be taken against officials implicated in this matter.  

ALSO READ: POPCRU raises alarm over staff safety after Pollsmoor stabbings – Smile 90.4FM

Thobakgale said these incidents prove that correctional facilities in the Western Cape require “sustained intervention” for stabilisation.  

As such, he has recommended that disciplinary and criminal matters be dealt with “independent and external to the Western Cape region”.  

“The nature of these incidents, combined with the province’s high levels of crime, gangsterism, and the alleged orchestration of criminal activity within our correctional centres, necessitates the implementation of extraordinary measures.” 

City water inspectors have ramped up their efforts to ensure residents and businesses are adhering to the Water By-law of 2010 and the 2018 by-law amendment, amid dwindling dam levels and an expected drier-than-usual winter.

As of 2 February 2026, the collective capacity of dams that supply the Metro with water is at 60% on average, compared to 80% the same time in 2025.

Throughout the summer season, the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s Water Inspectorate has increased its checks across Cape Town to deter excessive water use.

During December 2025 and January 2026, water inspectors visited Sandown, Parklands, Bergvliet, Brackenfell South, Somerset West, Tokai, Monte Vista, Heathfield, Gordons Bay, Ottery, Groot Phesantekraal View and Brackenfell South.

The aim is to check for, amongst others, water wastage, both private and municipal, leaks on City infrastructure as well as on private properties, illegal water connections, and keeping swimming pools covered to avoid evaporation when not in use.

The Water By-law Schedule 1 cites permanent restrictions, which include the restrictions on dampening building sand or other building material and hosing down hard surfaces or paved areas with potable water.

Inspectors also ensure that residents and businesses are aware of the current dam levels and water-wise initiatives by distributing pamphlets at houses and shopping malls.

Transgressors can be issued a spot fine ranging from R1500 to R5000 each time they are found violating the by-law.

In the upcoming weeks, these inspections will take place in Uitzicht (Durbanville), Westlake Business Park, Parow Industrial, Somerset West, Plumstead, Goodwood, Belgravia, Meadowridge, Constantia, Table View, and shopping centres in Somerset West, Sea Point, Table View, Cape Gate and Kenilworth.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says prior to the visits, residents will receive a knock-and-drop letter informing them of the inspection taking place in their area.

Teams will check the GIS mapping system to check which properties have a swimming pool, and those residents will be visited to ensure their swimming pool has an appropriate cover.

City officials will be wearing City attire (hat and CCT-branded t-shirt) and will carry their official City identity tag. Residents can verify this by contacting the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.

“Cape Town, we are in this together. We have done it before, and I am confident we can do it again. Let’s work together to reduce non-essential outdoor water use and remain below the 975 million litres per day usage target. Thank you to all residents who are already complying.”

The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers have made several arrests following tip-offs across the City.

The City says two suspects were arrested in Endlovini, Khayelitsha on Wednesday after a hijacked truck carrying alcohol worth more than R1.6 million was recovered. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says the vehicle was hijacked earlier that morning in Grabouw by 10 suspects.

“The suspects were busy offloading the alcohol when officers arrived, but most fled on spotting the officers. Two suspects, aged 40 and 36, were apprehended during a foot chase and arrested for possession of a hijacked vehicle, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.”

Smith says the recovered vehicle is a brand new 14-ton Isuzu truck, and the alcohol was being transported from Cape Town to Hermanus.

Smith added that arrests were also made in Bonteheuwel on Thursday, where a suspect was found in possession of an imitation firearm.

“Neighbourhood safety officers in Bonteheuwel responded to a tip-off about a youngster planning to rob learners outside a primary school. Officers spotted a group of young people loitering near the school, and one suspect attempted to flee. He was caught with an imitation firearm in his possession, arrested, and taken to Bishop Lavis SAPS.”

In an unrelated incident, five men were arrested later the same day in Gugulethu for robbing residents at gunpoint.

“The vehicle and a modified firearm were confiscated, and the suspects were taken to Gugulethu SAPS for further investigation, Smith added.”

Smith further stressed the importance of tip-offs, stating that they contribute to reducing and even prevent crimes from taking place.

”I want to commend the officers who followed up on the information and those residents who called it in. Thank you for not turning a blind eye and joining us in the fight against crime. Your input is valued in keeping our areas safe and rooting out criminals.”