Rape suspect rearrested after escaping from police custody
The suspect is accused of targeting scholars, who reside at school cottages in Nkandla. He faces several rape charges and is considered a high-priority suspect due to the nature and pattern of his alleged crimes.
A 28-year-old rape suspect, who escaped from police custody last week, was rearrested on Thursday, May 22. According to provincial police spokesperson, Col Robert Netshiunda, the suspect, who was initially detained on Monday in Mariannhill on multiple charges of rape, escaped later that same day.
A province-wide manhunt was immediately launched by the Mariannhill police, leading to his capture at a hostel in Umbilo on Thursday morning.
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The suspect is accused of targeting scholars, who reside at school cottages in Nkandla. He faces several rape charges and is considered a high-priority suspect due to the nature and pattern of his alleged crimes.
Following his arrest, he was expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrates Court on Thursday on a charge of escaping from lawful custody. Authorities confirmed that once the court proceedings are concluded, he will be transferred to Ekhombe to face the outstanding rape charges. Col Netshiunda praised the investigating team for their persistence in tracking down the fugitive.
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“This arrest is a result of determined and coordinated police work. The suspect will now face the full might of the law,” he said.
Police have not disclosed further details relating to how the suspect managed to escape but assured the public that an internal investigation is underway
