adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A MOZAMBICAN illegal immigrant escaped from police custody on Wednesday while in detention at Plumtree Police Station.
John Mahobe, 22, was arrested on Tuesday and escaped the following day around 4AM. He outsmarted four police officers who were guarding him and disappeared into the darkness.
Mahobe had been arrested by police detectives at the Plumtree Border Post while trying to enter the country without a passport. He was taken into police custody, pending a court appearance.
A senior police officer who requested anonymity said four police officers namely, Constable Chibuya, Constable Zuva, Constable Hlambelo and Constable Rubaya are suspected to have dozed off, enabling the prisoner to escape.
“Mahobe was taken into police custody waiting to be taken to court. He pointed out that he was not feeling well as he was shivering and he was coughing and breathing heavily.
“He said he was asthmatic and instead of being taken to the holding cells he was left in the charge office. Four police officers assumed duty around 11PM and they were advised to watch the prisoner,” said the police officer.
“At around 4AM Mahobe who was sitting on the floor behind the counter escaped. The four officers tried to look for him in the surrounding area but could not locate him and they reported the matter to the officer who was in charge on that night.
“It appears the officers dozed off as the prisoner was sitting far from the door as he was behind the counter. He probably noticed that they had fallen asleep and took the opportunity to escape.”
He said the four police officers are set to appear before a disciplinary hearing over the matter.
Officer commanding Buililima Mangwe District Chief Superintendent Macdonald Samuriwo confirmed that an illegal immigrant fled from police custody but referred more questions to Matabeleland South police spokesperson who was out of office.
Online Reporter