The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the identities of the four detainees who escaped from the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court earlier this week – and announced that three of them have since been re-arrested.
The escapees, aged between 22 and 33, were identified as Linda Soyeza, Mphumeleli Lufutha, Ismail George, and Toufieq (Tawfeeq) Damon.
They had appeared in court on charges including housebreaking, illegal possession of a firearm, and a warrant for arrest.
Fled custody
According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the men were being held in the court’s holding cells following their appearance on Monday, when they managed to flee custody.
“Wynberg police are seeking the assistance of the public to help with the investigation into the escape of detainees,” said Twigg.
“Members of the public with information can contact Detective Sergeant Abrahams at 079 498 9937 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”
Twigg added that six awaiting-trial prisoners initially escaped, though two were quickly re-arrested.
Two fugitives back in custody
In updates, SAPS confirmed that three more suspects – Soyeza, Damon and Lufutha – have been re-arrested.
According to the police, Soyeza handed himself over, while Damon was apprehended at a property in Grassy Park.
Mphumeleli Lufutha was arrested in Samora Machel on Friday morning.
“Police members are following up all leads in a bid to re-arrest the outstanding suspect,” SAPS said in a statement posted on social media.
Security lapses under scrutiny
The latest escape has renewed concerns about security weaknesses at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, which has experienced multiple similar incidents in recent months.
Abie Isaacs, Chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, said the frequency of such events highlighted deeper systemic issues.
“There are a lot of incidents happening at Wynberg Court. Based on that, we are calling for authorities to step up the security,” Isaacs said.
“We call on the Department of Correctional Services and all agencies to re-arrest the awaiting trial prisoners and reinforce their systems.”
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, echoed these concerns, calling for a “full and thorough investigation” into the incident.
“We need to identify any lapses in security or procedure that allowed this to happen, and ensure that systems are reinforced to prevent any such incidents in future,” Marais stated.
As the manhunt continues for the remaining fugitive, SAPS says all available resources are being deployed to ensure he is swiftly recaptured.
