Police have launched a manhunt for an awaiting trial prisoner who allegedly shot and killed a police officer before escaping from the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court on 12 October this year.
They are also investigating how the suspect acquired a gun while incarcerated. They have appealed to anyone who sees him to contact them and not attempt to apprehend him as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the suspect, Joshua Bomba Shongwane, was at the court cells awaiting trial for nine hijackings cases committed in Tembisa, Rabie Ridge and Kagiso in 2012, when he held three police officers up at gunpoint before taking the cell keys and locking them inside. The suspect then went downstairs where he allegedly shot and killed the officer before escaping. He is said to have once escaped from the court cells in 2015 but was rearrested.
The suspect was also scheduled to appear at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 28 October for the attempted murder of police officers and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in Midrand in 23 September this year while still on the run after his first escape.
In the Midrand case, the suspect is also known as Ntsikelelo Joshua Moliki. The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has postponed his case to 6 December.
Details: Alex Police 011 431 7600.
