KWAZULU-NATAL – The Scottburgh Regional Court sentenced Sibonelo Gumede (25) and Phelelani Mngadi (23) on 17 August 2022 to five year’s direct imprisonment for attempting to escape from lawful custody.
On 14 May 2021, the accused tried to escape from lawful custody at Turton Magistrates’ Court where they were appearing for various charges including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of property suspected to be stolen.
Gumede pretended to be another suspect who was arrested for an unrelated case. That particular suspect was called by the court orderly and Gumede showed up. The matter proceeded and the charges were withdrawn. Whilst he was collecting his belongings, vigilant police noticed that a wrong person was released and he was re-arrested.
On the same day, Mngadi who was charged together with Gumede was called by the investigating officer for further processing. He ran up the stairs and tried to exit the court room. Police managed to arrest him on the spot and he was also charged accordingly.
Both accused were remanded in custody until they were convicted and sentenced on Wednesday.
Source: South African Police Service