Suspect who aided friend’s escape in custody in Volksrust
The police took the vehicle to the police station, where Nkambule failed to produce a licence for the firearm, so it was confiscated.
Lunga Promise Nkambule (29) was arrested on May 7 after handing himself to the Volksrust Police Station following reports of him aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody earlier that day.
According to a media statement by the provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, Nkambule allegedly pointed an unlawful firearm at a police officer on duty after his friend was arrested for negligent driving.
They had been visiting a local tavern operating outside the stipulated hours. Police visited the outlet to ensure compliance when one vehicle recklessly bumped two stationary vehicles on the scene.
According to the statement, police stopped the driver, arrested him and while loading the suspect in the police van, Nkambule is said to have arrived on the scene, blocking the police vehicle and taking out a firearm.
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Nkambule demanded the release of his friend and, according to the statement, instructed the police to open the van’s door.
The arrested driver escaped into the darkness. Nkambule also found his way through the crowd, who had gathered around the liquor outlet.
The police took the vehicle to the police station, and Nkambule followed them. He failed to produce a licence for the firearm, so the police confiscated it. Nkambule was locked up and charged accordingly.
At his court appearance in the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on May 8, the case was postponed to May 15 for a formal bail application.
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Nkambule was remanded in custody, facing charges relating to possessing an unlicensed firearm, pointing with a firearm, obstructing the cause of justice and aiding the suspect to escape.
The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it was used in other criminal activities. The police said they could not rule out the possibility of adding more charges because the investigation continues.
Manamela warned those who distract or hinder the police from executing their constitutional mandate.
“They will face the full might of the law without fear or favour,” Manamela said.
She also commended the police for their professionalism because they avoided casualties and fatalities and arrested the suspect.
