THE South Africa department of correctional services (DCS) and police have launched a manhunt for seven inmates, six of them Zimbabweans, who escaped from the Grahamstown Correctional Facility in Makhanda in the early hours of yesterday.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Majola Nkohli said the detainees escaped through a prison window.
“It is alleged that on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at about 0400hrs, an officer arrived for standby duties to visit the prison when she saw lights that were on in one of the units. It was discovered that seven prisoners had escaped through a window.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are forming part of the investigation,” said Nkholi. Provincial police commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene has implemented a 72-hour activation plan following the incident.
Police have opened a case of escaping from lawful custody for further investigation. The escaped prisoners are Luvuyo September, a South African citizen who was detained for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery; Bennet Kwarrie, a Zimbabwean national who was detained for housebreaking, theft and attempted murder; Simba Masinga and Trymore Chauke, both Zimbabwean nationals, in prison for rhino poaching.
Nhamo Muyambo, also a Zimbabwean national, and his countrymen Abraham Moyane and Francis Chitiyo also behind bars for rhino poaching.
“Police are warning the community that these prisoners are dangerous and should not be approached, instead police must be contacted. We are also urging communities not to protect these criminals as they will be committing an offence if found to be aiding and abetting them,” said Nkohli.
Correctional service spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said investigations had been instituted and the circumstances relating to the escape would be confi rmed in due course.
“We are still investigating how the escape happened. There was tampering with the window bars structure. Correctional service is appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the re-arrest of the escapees. They are considered dangerous and should not be confronted if spotted,’’ said Nxumalo. – SowetanLIVE