while 11 officials will be suspended
7 August 2007
Correctional Services Minister has announced that three of dangerous
escapees are back behind bars and that 11 officials will be suspended tomorrow
(8 August 2007) for suspected collusion, negligence and unethical
behaviour.
Addressing a media briefing at Qalakabusha in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal this
afternoon Minister Balfour praised members of the public who gave tip-offs as
well as members of the South African Police Service and the Emergency Support
Team of Correctional Services for the work well done. He said the team tracking
their whereabouts is hot on their heels and will capture and bring them back
into prison where they belong.
The offenders were captured in Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba and Esikhaleni. They are
in chains for the night and will appear in court before being sent to 'a place
where they cannot escape.'
Minister Balfour also announced a multi-agency task team composed of members
of the Department of Correctional Services, the South African Police Services
and the National Intelligence Agency. Minister Balfour says "their brief is
very clear - they must spare no effort in discovering the truth about the
escapes and bring a report for the Department to take a decisive action to rid
the institution of bad elements."
Correctional Services in collaboration with the South African Police
Services has published a list of the escapees and their brief profiles. The
pictures obtained from the video material are being improved for distribution
and publication tomorrow.
The first three offenders have been rearrested while the remaining seven are
still at large:
* Mkhosi Mdluli � in for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Rearrested.
* Thabane Sibiya � in for murder. Robbery and attempted murder.
Rearrested.
* Mandlendoda Mbuyazi Mkhwanazi � in for escaping. Rearrested.
* Mzwenhlanhla Sikhosana � in for murder, several counts of attempted murder
and robbery with aggravating circumstance.
* Ndoda Sibusiso Chonco � in for escaping.
* Mbeki Mzimela � for parole break.
* Sipho Buthelezi � in for rape, robbery and possession of illegal firearm and
ammunition.
* Mgco Blessed Khanyile in for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances
and escaping.
* Xolani Nhlanhla Ngobese � in for robbery with aggravating
circumstances.
* Phiwanhlanhla Mbatha � in for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances
and attempted murder.
All but one of the escapees (Sipho Buthelezi) was facing further charges
ranging from attempted murder to robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Minister Balfour cancelled his planned trip to Swaziland to attend a Conference
of Eastern, Southern and Central African (Cesca) and also called back from the
conference the Regional Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal � Nathi Nhleko, who
joined the Minister at the media briefing.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
H J van Rooyen
Deputy Director: Area Co-ordinator Corrections
Empangeni Management Area
Tel: 035 902 3615
Fax: 035 772 2910
Cell: 082 374 3372
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
7 August 2007
