adminSources said the suspect, Hlangabeza Mabhula (35), escaped from Zvishavane District Hospital on Friday last week where he was being treated for swollen feet after he was allegedly assaulted by detectives during interrogation. “Mabhula, who has been terrorising Zvishavane residents breaking into premises and getting away with various property, was arrested by police on Wednesday last week. He was, however, heavily assaulted by the police during interrogation after which he was then referred to Zvishavane District Hospital for treatment under police guard. Mabhula escaped from the hospital on Friday last week and police have since launched a manhunt for him,” he said.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Asst Insp Emmanuel Mahoko yesterday confirmed the arrest and escape from lawful custody of Mabhula.
Asst Insp Mahoko said police recovered property worth thousands of dollars following the initial arrest of Mabhula. “On 23 May 2012, Police in Zvishavane arrested one Hlangabeza Mabhula (35) of Nyazvidzi Village, Gutu in Masvingo, who was suspected to have committed a spate of unlawful entry and theft crimes in Zvishavane.
“Property worth thousands of dollars was recovered following the arrest of Mabhula,” he said.
Asst Insp Mahoko said Mabhula was later referred to Zvishavane District Hospital for swollen legs treatment after he led police to the recovery of some of the stolen property.
Some of the recovered property included three invertors, three 14-inch television sets, two solar panels, DVD players, a 42-inch plasma TV and four decoders all of which had been stolen in various Zvishavane suburbs.
“After leading the police in identifying the stolen property, Mabhula was taken to hospital for treatment for his swollen leg.
“He then escaped from lawful custody and police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who is still at large,” he said.
The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Mabhula to approach any nearest police station.
Online Reporter