After a week, fifth and final KZN escapee is back in jail

02 April 2019 - 11:13 By Orrin Singh
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Mfanelo Jabulani Mathe,19, after he was rearrested on April 1 2019. He was one of five awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from police custody while being transported to court on March 26 2019.
Mfanelo Jabulani Mathe,19, after he was rearrested on April 1 2019. He was one of five awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from police custody while being transported to court on March 26 2019.
Image: Supplied

After almost a week on the run, a fifth and final suspect who escaped while being transported between Vryheid police station and Nongoma Magistrate's Court in northern KZN last week was rearrested on Monday. 

"Mfanelo Jabulani  Mathe, 19, was captured at Osuthu, near Nongoma, after police officers received information about his whereabouts. He is expected to appear in the Louwsburg Magistrate's Court on charges of escaping from lawful custody and robbery," said police spokesperson Lt-Col Thulani Zwane. 

A Google Maps screenshot of the location in northern KZN in which Mathe was arrested on April 1 2019.
A Google Maps screenshot of the location in northern KZN in which Mathe was arrested on April 1 2019.
Image: Supplied

A source close to the investigation said Mathe was mobile and in a vehicle when police pounced on him and made the arrest. 

He was one of five awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped after overpowering two police officers and stealing their firearms and cellphones before fleeing into a field on March 26.

Mathe was being held in connection with a housebreaking. 


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