Manhunt on for two prisoners

Escapees overpower Mthatha cops

POLICE have launched a manhunt for two dangerous prisoners who escaped from the vehicle transporting them from Mthatha’s Wellington Prison to the Cala Magistrate’s Court.

Samkelo Mbawuli, 27, and Mphumzi Nqwiliso, 35, overpowered two policemen near Ngcobo on Wednesday. Only one officer was armed.

The escapees, both from Elulweni in Ngcobo, should have been handcuffed. It is unclear if they were.

Mthatha police spokesman Mzukisi Fatyela said an internal investigation was under way to probe if there was any police negligence.

“It is unfortunate that this happens when we have just launched a festive season operation against crime. We will leave no stone unturned to make sure the suspects are brought back to prison.”

According to Fatyela the incident took place around 11.30am. The unarmed police officer fled on foot.

Fatyela said the two men forced the second police officer at gunpoint to drive them from the scene before abandoning him and the vehicle a few kilometres later.

They remain at large and are said to be armed with a police-issued firearm and 15 rounds of ammunition. Fatyela said the prisoners, who were doing time at the Wellington prison for a string of crimes, were due to appear in court on charges related to the robbery of a Pep Store and Pep Cell store.

Fatyela said the pair had previous convictions and pending cases. “Besides the Cala Magistrate’s Court case, they are also wanted by the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court,” he said, adding the Ngcobo charges were also related to business robbery.

The spokesman said a task team from organised crime, Mthatha police intelligence and the tracing unit had launched the manhunt.

Contacted for comment, National Prosecution Authority spokesman Luxulo Tyali said the NPA had consolidated all the robbery cases committed by the two and transferred them to the Mthatha High Court.

“[Once apprehended] they will no longer go to Cala or Ngcobo but will come to the Mthatha High Court for one trial,” he said.

Tyali said the two had committed more than 10 robberies in Cala and Ngcobo. “We are ready to prosecute them. They must be re-arrested.”

Police have warned people not to try to apprehend the suspects.

“They should refer any information about the suspects to the police and should not try to apprehend these two because they are armed and very dangerous. They won’t think twice about killing anyone in their way.” —