UPDATE: One Kutama Escapee re-arrested

Date: 28 October 2017 By: Isabel Venter

Police confirmed late Friday (27th) afternoon that a total number of seven dangerous criminals escaped from the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre (KSCC), just outside of Louis Trichardt.

One of them was arrested of the prisoners later the same day. 

According to provincial police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the prisoner, Chris Faku (37), was caught while hitchhiking along the Munnik / Bandelierkop road.

He said on Friday that the police was investigating cases of malicious damage to property and escaping from lawful custody after prisoners at the maximum security facility went on the rampage, burning part of the prison building. 

According to reports the seven prisoners had escaped at approximately 23:00 on Thursday night after there was a riot inside the prison. Mojapelo said that, according to early reports, things got out of hand during a protest about a wage dispute. 

The manhunt to catch the remaining six escapees, is still continuing. 

They are:  Jabulani Issac Mahlangu (31) convicted of two rapes and one sexual assault, Phathutshedzo Nemadodzi (34) convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, Ntshengedzeni Manukha (25), convicted of one rape and one robbery with aggravating circumstances, Ntshavheni Thomas Munyai (29) convicted of murder, Nyota Raphaelj (30) convicted of house breaking and theft and Justice Makamo (27) convicted of rape, business robbery and common robbery.

Police have urged members of the community to contact their nearest police station if they spot any of the escapees and not to approach them. 

In the meantime the acting National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Mr JG Smalberger, will visit the prison on Saturday (28th) to address the media.

Viewed: 4959

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

More photos... 

 Jabulani Issac Mahlangu (31), from Verena, Pretoria.
Cases: 2 rapes and 1 sexual assault.

Justice Makamo (27), from Maputo.
Cases: Rape, business robbery, and common robbery.
 

Ntshengedzeni Manukha (25), from Thohoyandou.
Cases: 1 rape and robbery aggravating.

Ntshavheni Thomas Munyai (29), from Itsani Riverside.
Cases: murder

Phathutshedzo Nemadodzi (34), from Dididi, Thohoyandou.
Cases: murder and robbery aggravating. 
 

Nyota Raphaelj (30), from Harare, Zimbabwe.
Cases: house breaking and theft.