Pollsmoor Correctional Centre conducts inmate visitation generally between 09:00 and 15:00 on designated days, separating schedules based on whether an inmate is awaiting trial or serving a criminal sentence. Remand detainees (awaiting-trial prisoners) typically receive visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, while sentenced offenders receive visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, weekends, and public holidays. All visitors must schedule an appointment at least 48 hours in advance, carry a valid South African ID or passport, and comply with strict security screening and Department of Correctional Services (DCS) classification rules.
Pollsmoor Visiting Hours and Schedules by Facility
Pollsmoor Management Area is one of South Africa’s largest correctional complexes, situated in Tokai, Cape Town. The facility is subdivided into distinct sections, each operating on specific schedules to maintain safety, reduce congestion, and manage logistical requirements.
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| POLLSMOOR VISITATION SCHEDULE |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------+
| Facility Section | Designated Visiting Days | Visiting Time |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------+
| Remand Detention (Awaiting Trial) | Monday, Tuesday, Friday | 09:00 - 14:30 |
| Medium A (Juveniles & Sentenced) | Wednesday, Thursday, Sat, Sun, PH | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Medium B (Sentenced Adult Males) | Wednesday, Thursday, Sat, Sun, PH | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Medium C (Pre-Release / Low Risk) | Wednesday, Thursday, Sat, Sun, PH | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Maximum Security Centre | Wednesday, Thursday, Sat, Sun, PH | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Female Centre (Remand) | Monday, Tuesday, Friday | 09:00 - 14:30 |
| Female Centre (Sentenced) | Wednesday, Thursday, Sat, Sun, PH | 09:00 - 15:00 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------+
*PH = Public Holidays
Remand Detention Facility (Awaiting-Trial Detainees)
The Remand section houses individuals awaiting the finalization of their court cases.
- Visiting Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (excluding public holidays unless otherwise authorized by the Head of Centre).
- Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 14:30.
- Visit Type: Primarily non-contact visits conducted behind glass partitions via intercom or speaking grilles.
- Visit Duration: Standard visits last 30 minutes.
Sentenced Centres (Medium A, Medium B, Medium C, and Maximum)
Inmates serving custodial sentences are housed across different security tiers depending on sentence length, crime severity, and behavioral records.
- Visiting Days: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and official South African public holidays.
- Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 15:00.
- Visit Type: Ranges from non-contact visits for Maximum security to contact visits for compliant Medium and Minimum security offenders.
- Visit Duration: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the offender’s privilege tier.
Female Correctional Centre
The Female Centre accommodates both unsentenced detainees and sentenced female offenders in separate wings.
- Remand Detainees: Follow the standard Monday, Tuesday, and Friday schedule (09:00 – 14:30).
- Sentenced Inmates: Follow the Wednesday, Thursday, weekend, and public holiday schedule (09:00 – 15:00).
- Mother and Child Unit: Qualified female offenders with infant children have designated visiting accommodations aligned with DCS childcare policies.
Inmate Classification and Visitation Privileges
The Department of Correctional Services allocates visiting privileges based on the offender’s security category and privilege classification (Group A, Group B, or Group C). Privileges govern the length of the visit, whether physical contact is permitted, and how many visits are allowed per month.
| Offender Group | Security Classification | Visit Type | Duration | Allowed Delicacies | Max Visitors Per Visit | Monthly Visit Allowance |
| Group A | Minimum / Medium | Contact | 60 min | Yes (Minimum only) | 2 | 5 visits / month |
| Group A | Maximum / C-Max | Non-contact | 30 min | No | 2 | 3 hours / month |
| Group B | Minimum / Medium | Contact | 45 min | No | 2 | 4 visits / month |
| Group B | Maximum / C-Max | Non-contact | 30 min | No | 2 | 2 visits / month |
| Group C | Minimum / Medium / Max | Non-contact | 30 min | No | 1 | 2 visits / month |
How to Book and Prepare for a Visit
Visiting Pollsmoor requires strict adherence to DCS booking and security protocols. Failure to follow the procedure will result in denied entry.
1. Make an Advance Booking
- Visitation must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
- Bookings can be made telephonically through the specific section where the inmate is detained or via the inmate submitting a visitor request internally.
- You must provide the inmate’s full legal name, registration number (prison number), or court case number.
2. Prepare Identification and Documentation
All adult visitors (16 years and older) must present valid, original identification:
- Green South African barcoded ID book or Smart ID card.
- Valid South African driver’s license (temporary licenses may be subject to supervisor verification).
- Valid foreign passport with an active visa/permit for non-citizens.
- For minors (under 16), an original or certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate accompanied by an adult legal guardian.
3. Arrival and Check-In
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to your allocated visiting slot to account for registration and physical security checks.
- Sign the visitor register at the entrance gate and present your identification.
- Receive an official visitor badge or tag, which must remain visibly displayed on your outer clothing for the duration of your visit.
4. Security Screening
- Visitors pass through metal detectors, physical baggage inspections, and pat-down searches by correctional officers of the same gender.
- You will be searched upon initial arrival, before entering the visiting hall, and upon exiting the facility.
Visitor Rules, Dress Code, and Allowed Items
Permitted Items
- Inmate Funds: Visitors may deposit funds into an inmate’s DCS institutional trust account at the designated administrative cashier counter. Cash is not handed directly to the inmate.
- Approved Clothing: Sentenced inmates in Medium/Minimum facilities may receive approved civilian clothing parcels if pre-authorized for court appearances or release preparation.
- Toiletries: Basic unopened, non-aerosol, non-alcohol toiletries may be handed in subject to facility parcel quotas and inspection.
Strictly Prohibited Items (Contraband)
Attempting to introduce prohibited items is a criminal offense under the Correctional Services Act and will result in arrest and prosecution.
- Cellular phones, smartwatches, cameras, recording equipment, chargers, and power banks.
- Weapons, ammunition, knives, blades, or any sharp objects.
- Alcohol, narcotics, unauthorized prescription drugs, cigarettes, and matches/lighters.
- Handbags, backpacks, and personal luggage (these must be stored in assigned lockers or left securely inside your vehicle).
Dress Code Requirements
Pollsmoor enforces a conservative dress code for all visitors:
- Footwear: Closed shoes or secure sandals are required.
- Prohibited Attire: Revealing tops, short skirts/dresses (above the knee), low-cut shirts, sheer/see-through fabrics, and sleeveless vests.
- Colors to Avoid: Solid orange (matching prisoner uniforms), camouflage/military gear, and gang-affiliated emblems or bandanas.
- Headwear: Caps, hoods, and dark sunglasses must be removed inside the visiting halls, except for recognized religious coverings.
Contact Details and Location Information
Pollsmoor Correctional Services Management Area
Tokai Road / Ou Kaapse Weg
Tokai, Cape Town, 7966
Western Cape, South Africa
- Main Complex Switchboard: 021 700 1111 / 021 700 1129
- Remand Detention Facility: 021 700 1179
- Maximum Security Centre: 021 700 1150
- Medium B Centre: 021 700 1210
- Medium C Centre: 021 700 1293
- Female Correctional Centre: 021 700 1229
- Postal Address: Private Bag X4, Tokai, 7966
Transport and Access
Pollsmoor is accessible via the M3 highway (taking the Tokai Road or Ladies Mile exit toward Ou Kaapse Weg). Visitors using public transit can take the southern suburbs rail line to Heathfield, Retreat, or Steenberg stations, followed by a local minibus taxi or rideshare service to the main entrance gates on Ou Kaapse Weg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment to visit an inmate at Pollsmoor?
Visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the administrative desk of the specific facility where the inmate is held (Remand, Maximum, Medium A/B/C, or Female Centre). You must provide the inmate’s full legal name, ID number, or DCS registration number, along with the full names and ID numbers of all visiting individuals.
Can children visit inmates at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre?
Yes, children under the age of 18 are permitted to visit parents or immediate family members. Minors must be accompanied by an adult parent or legal guardian and have their original or certified birth certificate presented at registration. Visits with children count toward the total allowable visitor count per session.
What documents must I bring on the day of the visit?
Adults must bring an original, valid green South African ID book, Smart ID card, driver’s license, or valid passport. Certified copies are generally not accepted at the gate. Minors require an official birth certificate. If you are depositing funds into an inmate’s account, bring the exact cash amount and the inmate’s registration number.
Can I bring home-cooked food or groceries to an inmate?
Outside food and home-cooked meals are strictly prohibited across all Pollsmoor sections, with the limited exception of specific, pre-approved packaged snacks (“delicacies”) for Group A Minimum Security offenders during contact visits. Visitors cannot hand food parcels to remand detainees or maximum security inmates; instead, you may deposit funds into their institutional account to buy goods from the internal tuckshop.
How do I deposit money into an inmate’s account at Pollsmoor?
Funds must be deposited at the official DCS cashier office located near the administrative registration area during visiting hours. You will receive an official DCS receipt containing the inmate’s name and prison number. The deposited funds are credited to the inmate’s personal tuckshop allowance, enabling them to purchase permitted toiletries, stationery, and approved grocery items.
What happens if I miss my scheduled visiting slot?
If you arrive late for your booked session, you may either receive a reduced visiting period or have your visit forfeited entirely for that day, depending on facility capacity and security schedules. Because check-in and security screening take 30 to 45 minutes, arriving late generally means missing the entry window, requiring you to rebook for a subsequent visiting day.