Triple murder convicted man mistakenly released from prison at court

Triple murder convicted man mistakenly released from prison at court

- A convicted murdered has reportedly escaped from police custody

- The convict was expected to appear in court today

- Police say they are currently trying to locate the man

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!

A man convicted of murder was accidentally released while appearing at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court.

The man, Phelo Mtala, had been found guilty on three counts of murder, among other charges.

A police spokesperson said that Mtala escaped on 20 May and had not yet been found.

PAY ATTENTION: Do you want to know what's trending on Briefly.co.za? Join our WhatsApp group today.

Mtala was expected to appear in court on 27 May for pre-sentencing reports and sentencing proceedings. Reportedly, Mtala was brought to court from Pollsmoor prison, but disappeared before he could be taken back to Pollsmoor.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services says Mtala's disappearance is a police matter. The spokesperson added police were investigating the incident and attempting to locate Mtala in order to ensure that served his sentence, according to IOL.

However, a source told the Cape Argus that he was worried about the safety of the witnesses in Mtala's cases now that Mtala was at large. Mtala was convicted of three murders in 2016, as well as assault with grievous bodily harm and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

READ ALSO: AfriForum farming wing plans to take farm murder issues to the UN

Among those Mtala killed was Sizwe Madinga, whom Mtala gunned down in Gugulethu. Mtala reportedly also shot Madinga's mother as she attempted to flee the scene, but she survived the incident, Briefly.co.za has gathered.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News

Tags:
Online view pixel