A manhunt has been launched for a convicted rapist and house robber who escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday. 

Prisoner Thulani Gcaleka was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm at the time of his escape. 

In a statement, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Gcaleka is currently serving a life sentence for a string of serious offences, including attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, common robbery, and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence. 

DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the prisoner was on working duty at the time of his escape. 

“A preliminary report indicates that the offender was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm at the time of the escape. An internal investigation has been instituted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.” 

He said the DCS would act without hesitation against any form of security breach or deviation from its prescribed standard operating procedures. 

“The outcome of the investigation will guide the necessary disciplinary action and corrective measures to be undertaken in line with the Correctional Services Act,” Nxumalo said. 

Gcaleka remains on the run. 

“The re-arrest of the escapee remains a priority. Anyone who may spot him or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to immediately report this to the nearest police station or correctional facility,” Nxumalo said. 

The Department has reaffirmed to the public that all necessary resources have been mobilised to ensure the swift apprehension of the escapee. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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