Second Mdantsane prisoner re-arrested after hiding in forest

A SECOND escapee was rearrested yesterday in connection with the break-out from Mdantsane medium correctional facility on January 10.

Phikolomzi Sonakele, 23, one of the four dangerous convicted prisoners who escaped from the facility, was re-arrested after being found hiding in the forest in Nxarhuni yesterday.

Sonakele appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of escaping from lawful custody. The case was remanded to January 22 for a plea.

Mdantsane police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku said the Mqanduliborn Sonakele was re-arrested following a tip-off.

Mzuku said the police had “restored” hope to the victims of crime following the recapture of Sonakele.

On Tuesday this week the first of the four escapees, Sandile Vena, was arrested near his home village of Midenge in Peelton.

“Two more are large,” said Mzuku.

He said a charge of escaping from lawful custody would be added to Sonakele’s still at charge sheet in court.

He said Sonakele was due to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court soon. Sonakele was serving a 12-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was due to appear at Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court on February 14 to answer to a rape charge.

Sonakele, Sandile Vena, Norman Mukunuwendo and Lihle Zikholisile all escaped from the Mdantsane medium facility during breakfast on January 10.

Thirteen guards are facing disciplinary action. —