Estcourt police have confirmed that a case has been opened and is being investigated after a suspected murderer escaped from Estcourt Hospital.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel TM Mabaso said that the man and an accomplice were involved in an accident in Frere whilst trying to get away with a vehicle they allegedly stole from a taxi driver in Pietermaritzburg.

The accomplice escaped from the scene but one of the suspects, identified as Mlungisi Dlamini, was injured. “He was arrested and taken to Estcourt Hospital where he was awaiting police from Pietermaritzburg when he escaped,” said Lt Col Mabaso.

Dlamini is suspected to be linked to the murder of taxi driver Philasande Zwane in May. Estcourt Provincial Hospital public relations division was unavailable for comment.