Correctional Services Investigates Security Lapse After Inmate Vanishes

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The Department of Correctional Services said it is considering suspending an official following the escape of offender Thulani Gcaleka from Sevontein Correctional Centre.

According to the department, Gcaleka who escaped from a Pietermaritzburg facility on Thursday, is serving a life sentence for severe crimes, including attempted murder, rape, robbery, and housebreaking.

Singabakho Nxumalo, departmental spokesperson, said 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.

“The Department will act without hesitation against any form of security breach or deviation from prescribed Standard Operating Procedures.

Measures taken with Correctional Services Act

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

Nxumalo highlighted that the re-arrest of the escapee remains a priority and that authorities are urgently seeking the public’s help to locate an escaped offender.

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Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to immediately notify the nearest police station or correctional facility, as significant resources have been deployed for his prompt recapture.