Online Reporter
One of the eight detainees who escaped from police holding cells in the Eastern Cape, South Africa was rearrested while sleeping at his aunt’s house.
Eastern Cape police said Siphelele Mkhulisi, charged with murder, was arrested on Monday at 8 am after escaping from the Afsondering SAPS holding cells.
Brigadier Nobantu Gantana said the eight detainees were in custody for serious offences, including murder, rape, crimen injuria, and assault.
Gantana said police acted on intelligence and found Mkhulisi asleep at his aunt’s residence in the Masakala location in Matatiele
“The suspect was found still asleep and was arrested without incident,” she said.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, including a separate case of aiding and abetting, is ongoing.
“The team is actively following up on information that will lead to the arrest of the remaining seven escapees, who face charges including murder, rape, assault, and crimen injuria,” Gantana said.
Members of the public have been cautioned not to attempt to apprehend the escapees, as they are considered dangerous.
IOL News previously reported that police are continuing to investigate how the eight detainees escaped from the Afsondering police station cells in Maluti.
Authorities are pursuing additional charges related to escaping from lawful custody.
The escapees have been identified as Asiphe Yawu, Abraham Gobozi, Kwanele Mzala, Siphelele Mkhulisi, Thabo Nana, Siphelele Nondolo, Anele Ludidi and Sinethemba Mazendala.
A separate investigation into aiding and abetting has also been opened to determine whether others assisted in the escape – IOL.
