Two Qalakabusha inmates escape, one still at large

Police confirmed this morning (Tuesday) that two inmates escaped from Qalakabusha Correctional Centre in Empangeni yesterday evening.

One of the escapees was apprehended shortly after he escaped, during which he suffered minor injuries.

The second escapee managed to get away and is on the run.

Although their identities have been withheld until further investigation, SAPS confirmed that the escapee who remains at large was charged with attempted murder and two assaults.

This prison break comes two months after two other inmates, Mfaniseni Mthembu and Mbongiseni Mpho Thusini, successfully escaped from the correctional centre. According to SAPS, they have not yet been apprehended.

Thusini was serving a life sentence for murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and a further charge for human trafficking.

Mthembu was serving a 22-year sentence for rape.

At the time, the KZN Department of Correctional Services told the Zululand Observer they were carrying out an internal investigation into how the men escaped.

Despite several attempts, the department has not disclosed the results of the investigation.