‘Police broke our windows’
They damaged home looking for convict, says family
THE family of convict Mzukisi Myoyo, 41, who escaped from Hewu Hospital in Whittlesea on Sunday were left “traumatised” after police officers allegedly barged into their home on Monday evening looking for him.
The Daily Dispatch reported (“Convict flees his hospital bed” May 29) that Myoyo was an inmate at Sada correctional services serving a 43-year sentence for armed robbery with aggravating circumstances.
He had been taken to hospital for tests and shackled to his bed by his hands and feet, but somehow managed to escape however.
Myoyo’s cousin, Lindile Myoyo, said a number of policemen had stormed into their house in search of Myoyo, vandalising and breaking furniture and windows in the process.
“It was around 11pm. Everyone in the house was asleep when we heard a loud bang on the door. They were breaking everything, asking where our convicted cousin was but told them we had no idea.
“They forced me and my brother outside while we were half-naked and made us lie on the ground. They turned the house upside-down looking for him.
“One of the officers hit my brother on the head with a gun and we are still in shock,” he alleged.
The Rep visited the Myoyo family home and saw broken furniture including a couch, a door, a cabinet and a television set. Family member Eric Myoyo, who was allegedly hit with a gun, said the family wanted the police to pay for the damaged furniture.
“They did not even show us a search warrant. My brother and I are both unemployed so we do not have the money to replace what was broken.
“I do not know what the law says, but surely it is illegal to accuse people of hiding a prisoner – and hitting them?”
Komani police spokeswoman Captain Namhla Mdleleni said the allegations made against police officers were considered to be serious and the affected persons could lodge a formal complaint, which would be investigated. “The offender is still on the loose. “Anyone with information should not try to apprehend the man but should rather report his whereabouts to the nearest police station,” she said.