WHEN Ashen Vishnudath (27) escaped from Westville Prison, allegedly after using another prisoner’s particulars, many were shocked.
However, the news of his re-arrest in the early hours of Monday (14 October) morning in Umbilo, has been welcomed by those with an interest in seeing justice served.
Pravin Gounder, chair of the Reservoir Hills Community Policing Forum (CPF) said he was glad that the man who was alleged to have committed the murder had been rearrested.
“His (the murdered man’s) family were mortified by the fact that he had escaped. This will give them some solace that the wheels of justice can now turn in regards to their late son’s murder. The community is also relieved that he is back behind bars. This reinforces our faith in SAPS and the justice system.”
Vishnudath had been awaiting trial for having allegedly murdered Reservoir Hills mechanic Navandren Govender in March this year.
“May he have his day in court and may justice prevail,” added Gounder.
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According to KZN SAPS spokesman Lt-Col Thulani Zwane, Vishundath is expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s court tomorrow, (Tuesday 14) to face charges of defeating the ends of justice.
“A case of escaping from lawful custody was opened at the Westville police station and the docket was assigned to Provincial Organised Crime Unit for further investigation. Detectives were on his trail since he escaped from custody until [Monday] morning when he was arrested,” said Zwane.
Zwane said Vishundath will be charged with escaping from lawful custody in addition to the charge of the murder he is already facing.
“Another suspect (53) who was arrested on Friday, 11 October 2019 at Reservoir Hills for defeating the ends of justice, is expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today,” said Zwane.
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“Two awaiting prisoners, Sudeshan Govender (34) and Tashlin Israel (27) were arrested on 17 August 2019 for aiding the prisoner to escape,” said Zwane about the alleged escape which took place on 15 August.
“They will be re-appearing at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today,” said Zwane.
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