SUSPECT TORCHES POLICE HOLDING CELL , ESCAPE FROM MALUTI POLICE STATION
Maluti police in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape province are investigating a case of malicious damage to property and escaping from lawful custody, after a suspect who allegedly torched a holding cell and managed to escaped from a police station last night. According to police, Lungisa Ngwalashe 31, from Protea location was kept in a holding cell waiting for a police van to take him to Tayler Bequest hospital.
When the police officers inside the police station were busy with their office work, they saw fire coming out from the holding cell. When the police attention was focused on extinguishing the fire and save a suspect who was inside the holding cell, Ngwalashe allegedly attacked one of the police officers and found opportunity to escape from the police station and run away. Reports are saying that it did not take long for the police to douse the fire leaving the holding cell with minimal damage. A back up which included a dog unit and other units was then called to assist in the search for Ngwalashe but could not be found.
It is reported that Ngwalashe was arrested for breaching a protection order which was applied against him by his mother. Unconfirmed reports said Ngwalashe was always fighting with other suspects inside the cells. He was about to be taken to hospital after injuries sustained from a fight between him and other suspects.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the investigating officer, Detective Lt Col Junqwana on 082 389 5844. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
