A suspect facing charges of business robbery managed to escaped from Ladysmith Correctional Services yesterday, after returning from court.
Nkosingiphile Cyprian Mbatha (23) appeared in the Regional Court, facing business robbery charges. His case was set for trial on January 27 next year and he was remanded into the custody of Correctional Services.

Arriving at Ladysmith Correctional Services, the suspect managed to elude officers and disappeared within a matter of seconds.

An eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous described the ordeal: “I saw a man sprinting up Malcolm Road in the direction of the hospital. Thereafter, 2 prison wardens gave chase. I then realised he was a fleeing convict.”

A massive manhunt was immediately launched, with K9 officers and other units combing the Hospital Park area for the fleeing suspect. However, he was not found and is still on the run.

At the time of the escape, Mbatha was wearing a red T-shirt and blue overall trousers. He is described as being of medium height and build, with a light complexion.
He is considered dangerous and the public is warned not to try and apprehended him, but to rather contact their nearest police station on 10111 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111. Alternatively, contact Captain BR Mntambo on 036-638-3325 during office hours or on 082-578-9348.