It took nine days for Correctional Services to realise that a prisoner had escaped

A Pollsmoor Correctional Centre inmate managed to escape custody after allegedly impersonating another detainee at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court — with officials only realising the mistake nine days later.

The incident, which took place on 9 September 2025, was discussed during a Department of Correctional Services (DCS) meeting held on 3 February, where officials examined how the inmate bypassed security procedures and assessed broader safety concerns at Pollsmoor.

The meeting also dealt with other serious incidents at the facility, including multiple unnatural deaths of offenders in custody and a fatal stabbing.

According to the report, offender Thembalethu Inganathi Daba falsely presented himself as Andice Mitchiza, who was scheduled to appear in court on a charge of drug possession.

Daba was not meant to be transported to court that day, as he was only due to appear on 9 October 2025 on a housebreaking charge and did not appear on the official court list.

Despite this, Daba reportedly bypassed the screening and identification process at the reception area during the processing of inmates for court.

CCTV footage presented at the meeting corroborated that he moved through the system undetected and was not physically verified against official records.

During the court proceedings, Daba was released on warning under Mitchiza’s name, prompting Pollsmoor officials to classify the matter as an “erroneous release of a detainee”.

Daba was re-arrested on 21 September 2025, while Mitchiza was subsequently released on 18 September 2025, in line with the court’s decision.

Investigations found that officials were negligent in the screening process and that no photo identification system was used to confirm inmate identities.

It was further revealed that an official processed “Mitchiza” on the system without the inmate being physically present.

Statements submitted during the investigation indicated that both Daba and DCS officials were at fault.

The meeting recommended that Daba be charged under the DCS Act for impersonation as a means to escape lawful custody.

An escape case was also opened against him, but was later withdrawn on 20 October due to insufficient evidence.

The meeting further recommended internal disciplinary action against implicated officials under Resolution 01/2006, which requires disciplinary hearings within 30 days.

Management was also advised to implement a biometric identification system and ensure proper monitoring of inmate movement at court holding cells.

Not an isolated incident

Daba’s escape is only one of a few recent high-profile prison escapes. On 5 February 2026, Offender Thulani Gcaleka, escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre.

Gcaleka is serving a life sentence for attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, robbery, and housebreaking with the intent to commit a crime.

DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said in a press statement that, “A preliminary report indicates the offender was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm at the time of the escape.”

Sevontein has launched an internal investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The department will act without hesitation against any form of security breach or deviation from prescribed standard operating procedures,” said Nxumalo.

The DCS has mobilised all necessary resources and is working closely with the SAPS to trace his whereabouts.

The DCS is currently considering the suspension of a correctional official believed to have been responsible for Gcaleka at the time of his escape.

An internal investigation is underway to determine hoe a high-risk ‘lifer’ was permitted to work on a low-security farm and whether standard operating procedures were breached.

Gcaleka’s re-arrest remains a priority for the DCS and the public is urged to report any information to the nearest police station or cortrectional facility.

Authorities have warned the public to not approach Gcaleka as he is considered a dangerous individual.

In addition to Gcaleka, the SAPS is also tracking 20-year-old Leonard Letswalo, an awaiting-trial prisoner who escaped from the Tzaneen SAPS on 24 January.

Letswalo was arrested in the Mopani district on 22 January 2026, for unlawful possession of ammunition.

He allegedly escaped while being charged within the police station premises. At the time of the escape, Letswalo was still handcuffed.

Despite immediate tracing efforts around Tzaneen CBD, Ritavi River, and Lephepane Village, Letswalo is still at large.

• By Zané Steyn for Newsday.