Prison break: 2 still on the run

The entrance to the Groenpunt maximum security prison in the Free State. File picture: Itumeleng English

The entrance to the Groenpunt maximum security prison in the Free State. File picture: Itumeleng English

Published May 25, 2015

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Johannesburg - The Department of Correctional Services has launched a full-scale investigation into the escape of seven dangerous prisoners from its Groenpunt maximum security prison in Vereeniging, last week.

While five of the prisoners have been rearrested, the hunt was still on for Phillip Tivane and Petros Kgatliso Mabela.

Department spokesman Logan Maistry implied that no action had been taken against any of the officials who were on duty on the day of the escape, saying that that would be pre-empting the investigation.

“The outcome of the investigation will determine what happened. Anyone found guilty, be it officials, inmates or someone from the public, will face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

The seven men, who between them have been convicted of robbery, rape and murder, escaped early on Thursday.

Majafe Celso Romao was arrested on his way to Sasolburg, later the same day.

The other four - Zandile Elvis Nkhabu, Teko Mphuthi, Kwazi Nkosi Ndlovu and Tshediso Benjamin Mokoena - were arrested on Friday morning in Deneysville in the Free State.

Two weeks ago, Tivane made a failed attempt in the high court in Pretoria to appeal his 35-year effective jail sentence for rape.

In his appeal for leniency, Tivane had argued that the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court, which had imposed the maximum sentence, had failed to consider that he was married and a father of three minor children.

He had no formal education, was supporting his families in Mozambique and South Africa, and was a first-time offender.

The appeal was dismissed, with the judges saying all four charges against him were of a violent and serious nature.

The Star

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