Pretoria – A manhunt is underway across South Africa for a convicted murderer, robber, rapist and burglar who escaped from Tembisa Hospital in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Andries Gamba Msimang, who was serving a life sentence for murder, robbery, rape and house breaking with intent to rob and kidnap at the Leeuwkop Correctional facility, was taken to hospital on Tuesday for observation and was later admitted after he suffered a stroke.
The 29-year-old Mozambican citizen was sentenced on 2 September 2009.
Correctional Services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said the department had begun an internal investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident. The matter has also been reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) to conduct their own investigations and to recapture the offender back to prison.
Wolela said the department takes any escape very seriously and has already served the two officials responsible for guarding the offender with letters of intent to suspend them. He said the officials may face charges of gross negligence and dereliction of responsibility.
Acting Regional Commissioner of Gauteng Mmule Motsamai-Madisa has appealed to members of the public to help in bringing the dangerous inmate back into custody.
Members of the public are advised not to attempt to arrest this dangerous escapee, but to contact 10111 or inform any nearest police station. – Nthambeleni Gabara, BuaNews
