A rape suspect who outsmarted police and escaped from the Mariannhill Police Station earlier this week has been rearrested.

Zululand Observer reports that the suspect (28) was found this morning at the Dalton Men’s Hostel in Umbilo, following an intensive manhunt launched after his escape.

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the man had complained of an asthma attack while in custody on Monday night. He reportedly fainted, and as officers attempted to assist him, he took advantage of the confusion and fled into the darkness.

“Police immediately launched a manhunt,” says Netshiunda. “Their relentless search led them to a hostel in Umbilo, where the suspect was successfully rearrested.”

The suspect was expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today to face a charge of escaping from lawful custody.

After his court appearance, he will be transferred to Ekhombe to face multiple rape charges. He is accused of targeting school learners residing in cottages at a school in Nkandla.

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