![vmexsa logo [front]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202560%20398'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Department of Correctional Services has announced that Thulani Gcaleka, an escaped offender, was rearrested in the early hours of Tuesday in Gauteng Province.
Offender Gcaleka escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre, part of the Pietermaritzburg Management Area located in KwaZulu-Natal, on 5 February.
The National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, indicated that the offender evaded capture since his escape and continued to remain at large.
At the time of his escape, he was part of a cleaning work team assigned to various duties at the prison farm, indicating a potential opportunity for him to plan his getaway while being in a work environment with less security oversight.
Gcaleka is serving a life sentence for serious offences, including attempted murder, attempted rape, rape, common robbery, and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence.
“A dedicated Track and Tracing Team has been established specifically to address high-profile and high-risk escapees.
“This specialized team is designed to enhance and support the existing regional capabilities, facilitating a coordinated and intensified response to incidents of this nature.
“The rearrest of offender Gcaleka is a direct result of these strengthened efforts,” Thobakgale added.
Criminal charges to Offender Gcaleka for escaping
The Commissioner reiterated that escaping from lawful custody is a serious offence and will not be tolerated.
He continued, “Escapees pose a significant risk to public safety, prompting the Department to act decisively in locating and returning individuals who have absconded from custody.
“In the case of Offender Gcaleka, he will now face further criminal charges linked to his escape.
ALSO READ | Suspect arrested in high-profile Van Der Merwe murder case
“Additionally, he is set to be reclassified into a higher security category and moved to a maximum-security correctional facility to ensure greater oversight and security.
Furthermore, Thobakgale stated that disciplinary proceedings regarding the events leading to the escape are currently in progress.
“This is to guarantee that suitable measures are enforced against individuals identified as negligent or complicit in the incident,” he concluded.
