By Thys Khiba – Free State police officials apprehended one of the seven inmates, Bennet Kwarrie who escaped from the Grahamstown Correctional Facility in Makhanda, Eastern Cape on Tuesday morning.
This comes after a Zimbabwean man was hit by a truck in the Free State while he was still on the run. He and other six prisoners broke out of Correctional Facility.
“We can confirm that he is in a stable condition in a health facility in the Free State where he is under strict police guard. The information I have shows that a truck hit him in the Free State while he was still on the run. He will be transferred to another hospital in the Eastern Cape before he is sent back to prison,” said Correctional Services Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
This follows a manhunt launched by department of Justice and Correctional Services, and Police.
Nxumalo indicated that investigations had been instituted and circumstances relating to the escape would be confirmed in due course.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli indicated seven inmates managed to cut the window bars to escape from the Makhanda prison.
“It is alleged that on Tuesday, October 18 2022 at about 4am, the 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 Nkohli.
Out of the seven inmates who managed to escape, Luvuyo September is the only South African resident, who was detained for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery.
Zimbabwean Kwarrie who caught by police officials was detained for housebreaking, theft and attempted murder.
Both Zimbabwean nationals, Simba Masinga and Trymore Chauke were detained for rhino poaching. While Nhamo Muyambo, Abraham Moyane and Francis Chitoyo, also Zimbabwean nationals were detained 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,” Nkohli said.
CENTRAL NEWS
—————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0833989119