Third Makhanda prisoner rearrested

In less than an hour from the time a man asked for food, he was identified as one of seven men who escaped from Makhanda’s prison and was rearrested.

Trymore Chauke was rearrested at about 7pm on Sunday October 23 at Seven Fountains.

Chauke is one of six rhino poachers who were convicted in the Makhanda high court last month, and due to be sentenced on November 4.

He escaped from the Waainek Correctional Facility in the early hours of Tuesday October 18 with four other members of the Chitiyo gang, as well as Bennet Kwarrie, detained for housebreaking and theft and attempted murder, and Luvuyo September, detained for charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Those now rearrested are Chauke, Simba Masinge (one of the convicted rhino poachers) and Kwarrie.

Still at large are Francis Chitiyo, Nhamo Muyambo and Abraham Moyane (from the Chitiyo gang) and September, the only South African among the seven. The others are Zimbabwean citizens.

A road accident in the Free State landed Kwarrie in hospital and back in custody hours after the breakout.

Masinge was arrested in bush east of Joza in Makhanda, close to the N2, last Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the team tracking the escapees rearrested Chauke within 30 minutes of having received information that he was seen begging for food.

Police have urged community members to inform them of any unknown people in their neighbourhoods, but not to approach them as the escapees are dangerous.