Police are searching for a trial-awaiting prisoner who escaped from the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre. The 29-year-old Zimbabwean citizen, identified as Muchangadzera Munyaradzi, made a daring escape while he was about to be loaded into a police truck en route to the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 5 March.
The incident occurred at about 07:40. Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi said police received an alert about the escape and rushed to the correctional facility.
"On arrival at the prison, they were informed that a 29-year-old man, Muchangadzera Munyaradzi, was about to be loaded into the police truck when he ran and jumped over two high fences, both with barricaded wires. The suspect was due to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court for possession of suspected stolen property and contravention of the Immigration Act," he said.
The escape has raised concerns, as the correctional facility is regarded as one of the most secure in the area, where escapes are considered unlikely.
Richard Mukhaninga of the Vhembe Concerned Group, an organisation working with police to fight crime, said the escape was highly suspicious and could have been an inside job.
"As an organisation, we put all the blame on the police, who were negligent in handling the suspect. How could they remove such a criminal without handcuffs? The circumstances of his escape leave much to be desired. The facility is well secured, with high fences and many well-manned access points. This was a well-planned escape, and we call for the prison guards who were on duty at the time to be held accountable," he said.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that the fugitive was spotted in the Thengwe area in Mutale. There are also allegations that he hijacked a bakkie at gunpoint, but police could not confirm these claims.
Police are appealing for any information that could help them locate the escapee.
"Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Captain Sydney Dama, on 082 469 1035," said Dathi.