4 December 2006
Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour says: "All of us are very
relieved that Mathe is re-arrested." Addressing a media briefing on the
re-arrest of Mathe, a dangerous offender that escaped from C-Max Correctional
Centre on Saturday, 18 November 2006, Minister Balfour said the South African
society has demonstrated its unity in action against crime.
He said the collaboration between the criminal justice system, the private
sector as represented by a Tracker Company � Netstar, the media and the South
African public, has shown that no one will escape the long arm of the law and
succeed. He said he was delighted that Annanias Mathe has been re-arrested.
Minister Balfour also announced that the dangerous Mathe, who was taken to
C-Max correctional centre by the South African Police Service after being
captured, has undergone a surgery to his leg. He said strict security measures
have been taken to eliminate any chances of an escape from the hospital while
he is being treated, before being returned to C-Max.
Mathe was re-arrested this morning by the South African Police Service after
being called by a car tracking company � Netstar to a crime scene. The company
captured Mathe who was driving a stolen vehicle around Tembisa in Gauteng. It
is reported that Mathe stabbed an official of the company in the face and was
shot in the leg fracturing his bone. SAPS were called in to assist and identify
the man as the fugitive from justice - Annanias Mathe. The police called
Correctional Services to come and verify his real identity, which was
positively identified by the Emergency Support Team of the department.
Minister Balfour said security measures at C-max are being beefed up to
ensure no further escapes are experienced. He said that he has requested the
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to speed up his cases, as
he is now facing at least 53 charges that include his recent escape and car
hijacking. The Minister also expressed his gratitude to everyone who in
different ways contributed to the re-arrest of Mathe and in improving public
safety in South Africa. He also indicated that the police were continuing with
their investigation to determine if anyone assisted Mathe while he was on the
run from justice.
Minister Balfour also received a preliminary report of his Task Team that
investigated the escape of Mathe from C-Max. Minister Balfour will study the
report which will assist in implementing urgent security measures to eliminate
escapes during the festive season and on reducing any chances of a further
escape by Mathe. The Task Team is looking into all elements of the security
system in C-Max which could have contributed to the escape, from physical
security to basic security procedures. The team has conducted interviews and
polygraphy tests and is expected to submit its final report on 31 January
2007.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Tel: (012) 305 8205
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
4 December 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
