Zimbo in SA jailbreak

A DANGEROUS Zimbabwean jailbird, who faces several criminal charges including murder, has escaped from a South African jail after cutting through cell walls.

In a statement yesterday, South African Police Services (Saps) said a manhunt had been launched to arrest Knowledge Lucky Mashava (25), who awaited trial for nine separate cases that included murder.

“The Police in Hlanganani outside Giyani have launched a manhunt for a 25-year-old awaiting trial prisoner, Knowledge Lucky Mashava, who escaped from the police cells at Hlanganani this morning, Wednesday 24 June 2020 at 05:45,” police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said.

“The escapee, who is a Zimbabwean national, was arrested for nine offences that he allegedly committed from June 2018 to February 2020 around Hlanganani, Giyani and Letsitele policing areas. The cases against him include murder, house and business robberies as well as burglaries at residential places.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that Mashava cut open a certain portion in the cell building to make good his escape.

“Members of the community are advised not to try and arrest the suspect as he is considered dangerous, but should instead provide any valuable information to the police,” Mojapelo said.

Saps has not ruled out foul play in the escape and said internal investigations had also been launched.

“The criminal aspect of this escape and an internal probe into the whole circumstances surrounding the incident have already begun,” Mojapelo said, appealing to anyone with information that could assist in rearresting Mashava to contact investigation officer Captain Hlanganani Walter Marivate on 002782 468 8673 or the nearest police station.