Five inmates arrested following escape at Groenpunt Correctional Centre
Around-the-clock work has resulted in the arrest of five, of the seven, inmates who escaped from the Groenpunt Correctional Centre in the early hours of yesterday morning (21 May 2015).
Four of the inmates, Zandile Elvis Nkhabu, Teko Mphuthi, Kwazi Nkosi Ndlovu and Tfhediso Benjamin Mokoena, were arrested this morning (22 May) in Deneysville in the Free State, and one, Majafe Celso Romao, was arrested yesterday (21 May) on the way to Sasolburg. The two offenders still on the run are Phillip Tivane and Petros Kgatliso Mabela.
Acting National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Mr Zachariya Modise, has praised law enforcement officials for the speedy arrests. “On behalf of DCS, we want to praise these officials, from DCS, the South African Police Service and all other enforcement agencies, who went beyond the call of duty to ensure the speedy arrest of these five inmates.
With this kind of dedication and commitment, we are confident that the remaining two inmates will also be arrested shortly. DCS will continue to ensure that our high standard of safe, and secure, custody at the country’s 243 correctional centres is maintained. During the last financial year (1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015), the percentage of escapes from correctional centres stood at 0.024%.
“We are once again appealing to members of the public not to approach any of these inmates should they encounter any of them, but to report to the nearest police station. We are also calling upon any person who may have any information that will assist in this investigation to please come forward,” Mr Modise said.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Deputy Commissioner
Cell: 083 6444 050
E-mail: Logan. Maistry1@dcs.gov.za
