Pollsmoor Prison is situated in Tokai, Cape Town, and is the largest Prison in the Western Cape Province. It is an overcrowded facility located in Tokai,Cape Town. This prison was meant to host only 3900 inmates but now has 8 900!
Today the majority of inmates come from Mitchell's Plain, but the facility has housed some prominent political prisoners in the past. Former President Nelson Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor from Robben Island before being sent to Victor Verster Prison prior to his release. Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada , both anti-apartheid activists, were also incarcerated at Pollsmoor and Robben Island. Allan Boesak also served his prison term here after he was convicted of fraud.
The Prison is known for its overcrowded and dangerous conditions!