Another prison break: Manhunt launched for two escaped rapists in Eastern Cape

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has launched a manhunt for two inmates who escaped from a prison in the Eastern Cape.

It is understood, the prisoners escaped from the Ngqeleni Correctional Centre on Friday.

DSC spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said they are searching for the inmates.

Escapees

“The escapees are Siyabulela Khohliso, serving a 10-year sentence for rape and Athini Nothi Mzingelwa who is also sentenced for rape, serving 8 years. The two escaped at about 15h30 on 27 April 2023 from the sports field.

Additional resources have been deployed in support of the Emergency Support Team of Correctional Services working together with the South African Police Service to hunt down the two inmates,” Nxumalo said.

Investigation

He added that DCS has also launched an investigation into how the prisoners managed to escape.

An investigation into this incident has been launched by DCS. But critical at this stage is the rearrest of the two offenders. Members of the public are urged to contact the nearest police station should they come into contact with the two escapees,” Nxumalo said.

ALSO READ: Tanzanian Police probe how Thabo Bester and Nandipha slipped through checkpoints

Thabo Bester

Prisoners escaping from correctional centres have come under intense scrutiny following the audacious escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester.

Bester escaped from the G4S-run Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in Bloemfontein in May 2022, after it was initially believed he had committed suicide by setting himself alight in his cell.

However, the Department of Correctional Services South Africa, which originally declared him dead, confirmed that the charred body found in his cell was not that of Bester who was convicted in 2012.

The Facebook rapist and his accomplice and lover, disgraced doctor Nandipha Magadumana, who helped him escape were on the run for about nine months before they were recaptured in Arusha in Tanzania in April.

Bester and Magudumana arrived back in South Africa on Thursday, 13 April, after a delegation consisting of the Department of Justice and police officials departed for the east African country to bring the fugitives back to face trial for the crimes they committed.

ALSO READ: Thabo Bester ‘begged’ for his life after being arrested by Tanzanian authorities