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The death of Abraham Wilson at Pollsmoor Prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions and high-profile inmates, has sparked outrage and concern across South Africa. Reports from The Daily Voice revealed that Wilson, linked to the infamous 28s gang and an ally of Ralph Stanfield, was allegedly subjected to brutal treatment by prison guards, which purportedly led to his death.
Abraham Wilson, a 51-year-old from Valhalla Park, was awaiting trial over his alleged involvement in a failed assassination against Joel Booysen, a figure tied to the Cape Town underworld. Wilson's incarceration was marred by violence and alleged harassment due to his gang affiliations and notable connections.
The incident that led to his death occurred during a routine cell raid by the Emergency Support Team, a unit known for its aggressive handling of prisoners. Insiders claim that Wilson, who suffered from serious health issues including heart problems and kidney issues, was unable to comply with the demands of the officers. This non-compliance allegedly led to a severe beating, despite his visible frailty and previous medical episodes, such as a heart attack induced by an aggressive ‘water bombing’ incident.
Sources close to Wilson’s family and other inmates shared with The Daily Voice that the assault was not just a one-off event but part of ongoing targeted abuse because of his refusal to provide information about his alleged gang connections, particularly regarding Ralph Stanfield.
Despite these grave accusations, the Department of Correctional Services has officially stated that Wilson simply "collapsed" and denied any mistreatment. Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the department, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and confirmed that an autopsy is planned to ascertain the precise cause of Wilson’s death.
This tragic event highlights the broader issues of prisoner treatment and gang influence within South Africa’s prison system. It raises critical questions about the accountability of prison officials and the protections afforded to inmates, especially those with significant health issues. Human rights organizations and criminal justice advocates are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into Wilson’s death to ensure justice and to potentially reform how high-risk or health-compromised prisoners are treated.