THE escape of a murder suspect allegedly under police guard at Wentworth Hospital has raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures and oversight within the facility.

A woman (54) charged with theft and linked to the murder of an 82-year-old Merebank grandmother escaped from Wentworth Hospital.

Also read: Manhunt underway after Merebank robbery

The suspect was arrested on April 3 after she was caught allegedly stealing cash and a purse from a house in Kasuali Road, Merebank.

Police probe connects the suspect to murder

According to police sources, she was later also linked to the murder of Indrawathy Rampersadh, who was strangled at her home in Merebank on March 30. Her body was found lying on the side of her bed in her bedroom.

According to a police report, the grim discovery was made by her grandson, who found a school tie fastened around her neck, leading detectives to suspect strangulation as the cause of death.

Wentworth Hospital remains mum on the matter

Police sources confirmed that the suspect was taken to Wentworth Hospital under police guard. However, it remains unclear how she escaped from the facility despite being under police supervision.

Also read: Woodlands pensioner warns of underhanded maids

The police have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding the escape, and Wentworth Hospital has also not provided any information.

Questions were sent to the Public Relations Officer, Thandeka Phiri, however, no response has been received. 

Police internal investigations resume

According to sources, the police are reportedly trying to determine whether negligence or procedural failure might have contributed to the incident. 

A police source said the suspect was initially apprehended after being caught red-handed during a theft incident in Kasuali Road.

Also read: Woman found dead in Merebank

She was then taken into custody and formally charged before further investigations linked her to the murder case of Rampersadh.

Her death on March 30 shocked the Merebank community, with residents calling for swift action and justice.

Meanwhile, internal investigations are expected to look into the circumstances under which the suspect was allowed to escape from hospital custody.

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