UPDATE: Prisoner who escaped Bethal Correctional Services, re-arrested

UPDATE: December 13:

Ridge Times has been informed that the man who escaped from the Bethal Prison hospital on December 7, has not yet been convicted as was originally published.

Tshidi Mapole, Regional Coordinator of Communication for the Department of Correctional Services, said the prisoner is a detainee remanded in custody.

Johannes Shelboy Motlaoung (23), from eMzinoni, is facing additional charges of escaping from lawful custody , along with a murder charge.

Ridge Times apologises for the error.

UPDATE : December 12

Convicted prisoner Johannes Shelboy Motlaoung (23), from eMzinoni, who escaped from Bethal Correctional Services, is now facing additional charges of escaping from lawful custody after he was re-arrested on December 8, according to Tshidi Mapole, Regional Coordinator of Communication, for the Department of Correctional Services.

December 7:

Convicted murderer escapes Bethal Correctional Services

Convicted murderer Johannes Shelboy Motlaoung escaped the Bethal Correctional Services yesterday at around noon.

He was last seen at the prison hospital. During a search, his yellow prison overall was discovered.

He is serving time for murder and is considered dangerous.

The Ridge Times contacted Bethal Correctional Services communication manager Siphiwe Mahlangu who said a media statement will be issued.

Bethal police spokesperson Sergeant Thomas Mogadime confirmed there is an escaped convict on the loose.

“It is not clear how he managed to escape. A task team was deployed to trace the escapee,” added Mogadime.

Mogadime said the escaped convict was under hospital guard in the center after he was admitted for medical treatment.

Anyone with any information should immediately contact the Bethal Police on 060 802 2876 or 017 631 8260.

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