32-year jail sentence for Chatsworth escapee

Mduduzi Shembe felt the full wrath of the law after he was found guilty of robbery, escaping from lawful custody and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in the Chatsworth court, recently.

He was handed down a 32-year sentence.

KZN provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the conviction, which was a result of him escaping from lawful custody.

According to provincial police spokeswoman, Col Thembeka Mbele, on March 5, 2019, Shembe was due to appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrates Court for illegal possession of a firearm and a number of rape cases. While at the holding cells, he robbed a police officer of his firearm and shot his way out.

“He jumped into a getaway vehicle and they drove off. A chase by police officers from Umbumbulu and neighbouring stations ensued. Police officers cornered the accused along Mega Philani and he was re-arrested. Police furthermore charged Shembe for robbery, escaping and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” she said.

He made several appearances in court while being held in custody. The court convicted and sentenced him to 15 years for robbery, ten years for escaping from lawful custody and seven years for illegal possession of a firearm.

The accused will still stand trial for the cases of rape where he remains accused.