E Cape awaiting trial prisoners on the run

Nine awaiting trial prisoners have escaped from holding cells at the Centane police station in the Eastern Cape. Police claim they cut open the roof with a saw and used bed sheets to climb up to the roof.

One of the escapees, Qhawe Gxowa, 29, was rearrested by residents of Gobe village last night. Police spokesperson Jackson Manatha has warned residents not to catch more of the escapees, but to contact police.

The escaped prisoners were named as Simbongile Dubula, 22; Lubabalo Lavisa, 18; Mawethu Nzinzi, 30; Bongani Grunyuza, 31; Ntsikelelo Mahanjana. 22; Ntsebenzo Jafta, 25; Ayanda Mlenjana 24; Sakhiwo Maduba, 34, and 21-year-old Simbongile Quonana.

Community members are urged to report any sighting of the men to Captain Sandla Dlulisa on 082 441 8272. – Additional reporting by Sapa