Swift justice as re-arrested convict is sentenced

JUSTICE was swift in apprehending and sentencing a convict who escaped police custody two weeks ago.

Thabani Mkokheli, 30, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after escaping from the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court earlier this month.

He escaped with his friend Lulekani Somtsora, 25, who is still at large.

The duo escaped from holding cells after their lawyer failed to inform the guards that he finished his consultation, leaving them unsupervised.

Mkokheli and Somtsora are both facing charges of murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with intent to rob, illegal possession of a firearm and being in possession of ammunition.

Both now face an additional charge of escaping lawful custody.

Mkokheli was re-arrested in Duncan Village two weeks ago.

The two were said to have been tormenting Mdantsane households and businesses before their arrest in August this year.

Mdantsane police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku said: “Police members worked tirelessly on this case and succeeded in re-arresting Mkokheli.

“Mkokheli has been convicted for the unlawfulness that he committed while he appeared in court earlier this month. He will appear again in court for the charges he was facing while arrested and before escaping.”

Mzuku said the police had no leads on finding Somtsora but were doing “all in our power to ensure that we put him behind bars as well”.