2 February 2006
In line with its mandate of contributing to safety and security of
communities and victims, Correctional Services today announced names of
awaiting trial detainees that escaped from the Pretoria Local Correctional
Centre yesterday. The Department also issued an appeal to the public to take
precautions, assist in the apprehension of these potentially dangerous awaiting
trial detainees and also not to try to arrest them but to inform the nearest
police station.
The inmates are Ernest Mapambiki (21), arrested for rape, theft and burglary
allegations; Peter Mbewe (25) arrested for murder allegations; and Sam Chauke
(23) arrested for murder allegations. Correctional Services, in collaboration
with the South African Police Service, is hot on their heels to bring them to
book for their alleged crimes against the society.
Although there is overall a progressive decline of escapes nationally,
Correctional Services believes one more escape is one more too much and will
continue to intensify security measures aimed at ensuring that South Africans
live in a safe and secure environment. The Department remains very confident
that its zero tolerance approach outlined in the anti-escape strategy is
working and has begun registering results, as demonstrated by a phenomenal drop
in the number of escapes between 1996 and 2004, from over 1200 to 176
respectively.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Tel: (012)305 8205
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
2 February 2006
