Ep 1. South Africa: The Number Gangs Prison

Inside the World's Toughest Prisons is a captivating documentary series. Each episode takes us on a journey to some of the most notorious prisons across the globe. In season 5's opening episode, we journey to South Africa to get an up-close look at one of the most dangerous gangs in the world, The Number Gangs.

Located in Pollsmoor Prison, this high-security facility is home to The Numbers Gang, a criminal syndicate operating inside the prison walls. The gang is believed to be responsible for more violent crimes than any other in South Africa, including rapes, stabbings and murders. With unprecedented access, we are given a firsthand look at the daily life of the gang members and the brutal tactics they use to maintain their power within the prison walls.

The episode begins with host Raphael Rowe meeting with Pollsmoor's warden, Smiley Nkutha, who takes Rowe on a tour of the prison. Nkutha reveals the harsh reality of life within the prison walls and explains how The Numbers Gang operates. He shows Rowe the areas of the prison where gang members are housed separately, illustrating how divided the prisoners are based on territory and allegiance.

Rowe then meets with several Numbers Gang members who give him an insight into their way of life. These members go into detail about the hierarchy of the gang, how new members are initiated and the dangers of crossing the gang's leader. The gang members are seen wearing their numbers as tattoos on their skin, symbolic of their commitment to the gang and a reminder of their past crimes.

We then see a glimpse of the torture and brutal punishment that gang members inflict on those who cross them. Members who fail to comply with the gang's orders or rebel against the hierarchy are subjected to severe beatings and even death.

Despite the severity of their crimes, the documentary also highlights the conditions that these prisoners are kept in. The overcrowding and lack of basic amenities such as adequate medical care and food, along with the power plays of the gang members, create an environment where everyone lives in fear.

The episode also features interviews with volunteers who run educational programmes within the prison, as well as ex-gang members who have managed to turn their lives around and leave the gang behind. These individuals provide hope for the future, showing that change is possible, even within the world's toughest prisons.

In conclusion, Inside the World's Toughest Prisons season 5 episode 1 takes us on a gripping journey through the dark and dangerous world of The Numbers Gang. The show provides an unflinching look at the conditions inside one of South Africa's most notorious prisons and depicts the brutal reality of life within the gang and its impact on those around them. Overall, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in crime and punishment, as well as those concerned with the human cost of incarceration.