Authorities in the Western Cape have launched a manhunt for a prisoner who managed to escape from Pollsmoor Prison. Yanga Wayithi, 35, had been serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing when he made his daring escape. Wayithi had been assigned to a work team tasked with maintaining the grounds of the correctional facility, which raised concerns about how he was able to slip away unnoticed.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that an internal investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape. According to DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been notified and a case of escape from lawful custody has been officially opened.
In the meantime, the DCS tracing team is actively working to track down Wayithi, and authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. While the manhunt continues, the DCS assures that more information will be made available in due course.
In a separate incident, another fugitive was successfully recaptured after escaping from Boksburg Correctional Centre last year. Martin Jackson, who had been serving a 20-year sentence for robbery, theft, and illegal possession of a firearm, was re-arrested after his escape in November. Jackson had been admitted to the facility in 2015 and is now back in custody, facing the consequences of his actions.
The recent escapes have raised serious questions about the security measures in place at correctional facilities, and authorities are under increasing pressure to prevent further incidents.
