Zimbabweans among SA prison escapees

Zim Now Writer

South African police in Limpopo Province have launched a manhunt for three prisoners who escaped from police holding cells in Tshamutumbu outside Thohoyandou in the early hours of Wednesday.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi, said the prisoners – aged between 19 and 45 – allegedly escaped through a hole inside the cells.

Two of the escapees Rulph Chemai (19) from Zimbabwe and Nemalale Tshilidzi (34) from Vhembe District face charges of house robbery.

The third prisoner, Caiphus Kwinda (45) was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday, after being convicted of rape.

Police appealed for information leading to the arrest of the escapees, waring that they are considered to be dangerous.

“Members of the community are warned not to confront the prisoners as they are considered to be dangerous, but to rather contact the nearest police station or urgently contact the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Colbert Ntshavheni on 082 414 1621 or Crime Stop on  08600 10111 or using MySAPS app.”

Last month, seven prisoners - all Zimbabwean nationals charged with rhino poaching - escaped from Grahamstown Correctional Facility in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

They are believed to have escaped through a prison window. Three of them have, however, been re-arrested while four are still at large.