BY ERIC MATOME KGOMO
VOLKRUST: A manhunt has been launched for three awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from lawful custody at Volkrust Magistrate’s Court on Monday 19 April 2021, the police said.
According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Mpumalanga Provincial Police Spokesperson, the suspects escaped when they were taken to court for their appearance on business robbery charges, committed on Saturday 10 April 2021 at Volkrus.
The escapees were identified Jima Dube (34), Sandile Gasa (42) and Emmanuel Sibanda (28).
“According to the police preliminary investigations, during the time when the suspects were being taken from the police van to court, a scuffle broke out and they managed to overpower the police and escape. A manhunt was immediately launched thereafter,” he said. Mdhluli added that reports indicate that during their escape, the suspects were four and initially one was later recaptured, hence the manhunt for the remaining three who are still sought.
“Whilst searching for the suspects, police received information that one of them, Welcome Mncube (56), was spotted at a bush near the courthouse. Police then followed the lead, spotted him and swiftly rearrested him as he attempted to flee,” he said.
Mdhluli indicated that while being arrested, Mncube tried to grab the police officer’s service pistol, which went off and he was shot in the process.
“He was then taken to hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound and he is currently under police guard. The other two members that sustained some injuries during the scuffle at the courthouse are also recovering in hospital,” explained Mdhluli.
He added that the suspects had their first court appearance on Monday 12 April 2021.
“When they escaped from lawful custody, they were about to have their second court appearance after their arrest after they committed the robbery, on which during their arrest, the police found them in possession of a firearm as well as ammunition suspected to have been used in the robbery,” Mdhluli said.
He said the suspects are also facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger which forms part of probe as it is said it was used during the business robbery. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen in Gauteng,” informed Mdhluli. He said the other three suspects, Dube, Gasa and Sibanda are still at large and police urge members of the public not to approach them as they are considered to be dangerous, but rather notify police about their whereabouts. “Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges with regard to the injured members,” he said. Mdhluli appeals to the public who may assist the rearrests of the suspects to contact police in Volksrust on 017 735 9913 or Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
“All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” concluded Mdhluli.
