Fugitive on the run

Parkview Police are on the hunt for Gilbert Vusi Msibi (42) who escaped correctional services custody on 28 August at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

According to Parkview communications director Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha, Msibi had been sent to the Soweto health facility to undergo treatment for an unknown illness where he fled the scene, dodging the correctional service officer on duty.

It is unclear how he escaped. A case was immediately opened with Diepkloof Police, said Sgt Ramovha.

Msibi goes by various aliases including Jabu Sithole. He was earlier transferred to the hospital from Johannesburg Medium C Prison after he was arrested by Parkview Police.

His arrest followed a housebreaking at a property on 6th Street in Parkhurst where an 82-year-old woman was badly assaulted with a spade on 12 July 2013.

The victim was also robbed of various items and left for dead.

Witnesses at the near-by Shell Garage noticed Msibi entering the premises, looking suspicious and leaving shortly afterwards holding a plastic bag. According to Ramovha, when he was leaving, the police had already been alerted. He managed to run to a getaway vehicle that was parked nearby and drove-off.

As he got into his getaway vehicle, the police were already in the vicinity and they gave chase. A successful arrest was made in Emmarentia.

He was subsequently transferred to Johannesburg Medium C Prison.

Ramovha pleaded with the public to assist police in apprehending this fugitive.

Ramovha said the man is a career criminal who has been in and out of prison since 1989.

The son of the elderly woman, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, expressed his disappointment on the system.

“I heard the person who was guarding him said he was going to the toilet and when he came back the prisoner was gone.

How did he run away if he was chained,” he asked.

The irate son suspects corruption in the matter but still has hope.

“I hope they recapture the guy. This man has no career, he just robs and hurts people”.

The elderly lady was severely affected by the incident.

“It affected my family. My mother has not been well since. She doesn’t walk, talk or do anything. We put her in a care centre and medical aid cannot pay which strains us financially,” he said.

If you have any information, please contact Investigating Officer, Warrant K K Mabaso of Parkview Police Station 0114865000.