People in the France township of Pietermaritzburg are terrified after a former police officer, convicted of murder, escaped from police custody at the KZN Division of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

The man, who is allegedly a loan shark, was convicted of three murders.

Lebohang Ndlovu (26) slipped away while he and other prisoners were being loaded on to a transport vehicle to prison on Thursday.

It is alleged the former police officer, who was once a constable stationed at the Pietermaritzburg Police Station in Jabu Ndlovu Street, ran past the police and the security gate – which was being manned – and escaped into the street.

Murders

Ndlovu was found guilty of killing Bonga Ngubane, Mthokozisi Khumalo and Bheki Jojo on Juneb25, 2022, at Phase 5 in Ambleton, France. He was scheduled to be sentenced on March 18.

KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala says the police in Pietermaritzburg are investigating a case of escaping from lawful custody.

“A 26-year-old murder accused allegedly escaped from lawful custody on Thursday, March 7. The accused was arrested for three counts of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and had been in custody since his arrest.

“On June 25, 2022, Alexandra Road police received a complaint of a shooting and proceeded to Phase 5 in Ambleton. On arrival they found three males aged between 31 and 34 with gunshot wounds in the head. Two were confirmed dead at the scene and the third victim was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The accused handed himself over to Alexandra Road police on June 25, 2022,” adds Gwala.

Fearful residents

Residents who spoke to the Weekend Witness say Ndlovu was a well-known police officer and a loan shark.

“The news of his escape came as a great shock but it is something that we suspected from the outset. A lot of things that happened during the investigation were questionable. Even on the day of his conviction, he seemed really relaxed and not worried at all,” says a resident who knew the victims.

The residents claim they are scared Ndlovu would harm the witnesses or anyone else he saw at the court calling for him to be sentenced.

They add they are concerned because some of the witnesses had to flee from Pietermaritzburg before the trial – in fear of their lives.

One of the witnesses says she was terrified and ran away from home because she heard people firing gunshots outside her home every night. She only came back to be a witness in the case. This was after numerous attempts to get them into witness protection, which were not successful.

“We also fear that he may do something to the victims’ families,” the resident adds.

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, says the court gallery was packed on Thursday and he was able to see most of them from the dock.

“We are angry that he escaped and wonder how he escaped because he was supposed to be guarded like any other prisoner.

“No one knows how he escaped but he was a police officer and we suspect he had assistance. As residents, we are really angry more than anything and hope that the police will find him before he commits another crime,” they add.

Gwala asks anyone with information to come forward.

“Anyone with information of his whereabouts is requested to urgently contact Pietermaritzburg police on 033 845 2451/ Alexandra Road SAPS on 033 845 7706 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Members of the public can also send information via MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” she concludes.