Pollsmoor prison, Maximum security prison in Tokai, Cape Town, South Africa
Pollsmoor is a maximum security prison in Tokai, part of greater Cape Town, consisting of five separate facilities. The complex includes an admission center, medium security sections, and a dedicated women's unit with a total capacity of 4,336 inmates.
Nelson Mandela spent part of his imprisonment here from 1982 to 1988, after being transferred from Robben Island. This move marked an important phase in his life and in South African history during the final years of apartheid.
The prison runs Idlanathi restaurant, meaning 'Eat with Us', where inmates learn to cook and prepare meals for staff and visitors. This initiative gives prisoners practical skills and a way to prepare for life after their sentence.
The facility has strict visiting hours and security procedures, requiring visitors to present identification documents and undergo thorough security checks. Access is granted only after prior clearance, and all visitors are screened before entering the grounds.
Three distinct prison gangs known as 'The Numbers' – the 26s, 27s, and 28s – maintain their own hierarchies and roles within the prison system. Each group follows its own code and has specific responsibilities, ranging from defense to procurement.
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