SIX detainees originally escaped, three have since been rearrested, while Sandile Majola (29), Mxolisi Mbuyazi (22) and Thanda Zulu (32) are still on the run.
Majola and Mbuyazi both face charges of theft while Zulu is accused of murder.
Police spokesperson for the King Cetshwayo District, Captain Mbongeni Mdalose, told the Eyethu Bay Watch an internal investigation has been launched to determine how the suspects managed to walk out of the cells and the police station.
‘We are currently searching for the three escapees. If anyone has information about their whereabouts, we urge them to come forward and report it at their nearest police station,’ Mdalose said.
It has been reported that the suspects escaped after police forgot to lock doors leading to the exit – ‘four gates were left opened and the accused walked out’.
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Shoddy work
Zulu is wanted in the murder case of retired teachers, Nhlanhla (68) and Mabel Shange (66) as well as for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The elderly couple were gunned down in their vehicle at the Empangeni A taxi rank in 2014.
The Zululand Observer reported that the well-known couple, who had a food stall at the taxi rank, were also robbed of their belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Along with Zulu, Sibonelo Xulu, Njabulo Buthelezi and Mbongeleni Langa were also arrested for the murder of the Shanges, two were on scene and the other two were in a getaway car.
The matter was initially heard in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court, where charges were dropped against Langa and Zulu because apparently there was no evidence linking them to the case, and they were released.
The investigation continued when the matter was referred to the Mtunzini High Court and the judge overturned the decision and reinstated charges against them.
A warrant of arrest was issued in June last year. Zulu was rearrested in April this year and Langa has never been found.
Zulu appeared in court on 22 May and was denied bail. He appeared on 30 May, was again denied bail – before escaping that same evening.
The trial is still proceeding, with only two suspects, Xulu and Buthelezi. Sentencing is expected later this week.
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