Another man escape from Evander Magistrate’s Court
This was the second brazen escape from the courthouse this month.
A Mozambican national, Diofo Calangue, has been re-arrested after escaping from the Evander Magistrate’s Court on February 17.
Calangue was initially arrested in November last year in eMbalenhle in connection with a gruesome house robbery and rape in Ext 18.
The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of November 11, when a 72-year-old woman was asleep with her family members.
According to reports, two unknown men entered the house through a sliding door that was unlocked due to a broken handle.
The suspects, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons and had their faces covered, threatened the victims and demanded money.
Some of the family members were allegedly tied up while the house was ransacked. Two women, aged 18 and 32, were allegedly raped before the suspects fled the scene with undisclosed items.
Calangue appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court, where he abandoned his bail application. His case was postponed to March 4, and the second suspect remains at large.
During his recent court appearance, Calangue escaped shortly after proceedings were adjourned. Court security personnel reportedly noticed him at the court entrance and attempted to approach him.
He then fled on foot.
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He was chased towards Evander High School, where learners allegedly joined in the pursuit. Calangue reportedly jumped over the school fence and ran toward the Evander Gold Mine.
Mine security personnel apprehended him after he allegedly jumped over the mine’s fence. He was subsequently handed over to the police and re-arrested.
Police investigations are ongoing, and the second suspect in the case remains at large. This was the second brazen escape from the courthouse this month.
The Evander SAPS are still searching for Sifiso Mahlangu, who escaped from the Evander Magistrate’s Court on February 5.
Mahlangu was arrested in connection with murder and rape.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts may contact Sergeant Steven Tshehla on 082 754 2069 or Captain July Mahlangu on 082 065 1299.
Officers working at the Evander Court have previously raised concerns about the condition of the holding cells, which are flooded with water, forcing them to keep suspects who are to appear or have appeared before court in offices.
The officers said the situation is a security risk and makes their work extremely difficult.
According to some, this is not a new problem, as the holding cells reportedly flood annually.
Moeti Mmusi, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, has previously told the Ridge Times that the department is communicating with other departments involved to resolve the matter.
In the meantime, they would ensure the court runs smoothly without hindrances. Yet the situation remains the same, and the holding cells are still flooded.
