South Africa: Manhunt Launched for Escaped Pollsmoor Inmate

11 February 2025
SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

The Department of Correctional Services has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.

According to the department, the 35-year-old man, Yanga Wayithi, was assigned to work within a team maintaining the grounds of the facility.

Wayithi is serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing.

"The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been notified, and a case of escape from lawful custody has been opened. The Department of Correctional Services' tracing team is actively working to ensure a swift rearrest.

"Additionally, an internal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the escape, with the findings informing any further action to be taken," the department said.

The public is warned to "remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities" as the department continues its search for the escaped inmate.

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available," the department concluded.

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 SAnews.gov.za. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.