KwaZulu-Natal Police Launch Investigation After 13 Undocumented Migrants Escape From Nyoni Station
- An investigation has been launched into the escape of several foreign nationals at a police station in KwaZulu-Natal
- The suspects were being kept in a holding cell after they were apprehended for being in the country illegally
- Details are still vague at present, with police unable to confirm how the suspects were able to escape from the cells
- KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed the escape to Briefly News
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – A total of 13 undocumented foreign nationals have escaped from the Nyoni Police Station’s holding cells in the iLembe District.
KwaZulu-Natal Police confirmed to eNCA that the escape happened on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. News of the incident only broke on Wednesday, 05 November 2025. The suspects had been apprehended for being in the country illegally.
Investigations are underway into the escape of suspects
While details are still vague at this stage, eNCA’s Dasen Thathiah provided some more information. He noted that the men were being kept in holding cells at the police station when one reportedly asked to use a toilet.
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It was during this period that all the suspects managed to get out. Police told eNCA that investigations were underway into the escape, but they could not confirm whether the suspects had any assistance from officials.
Source: Facebook
KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, then responded to queries from Briefly News, confirming the news.
Colonel Netshiunda noted that 13 undocumented foreign nationals were being processed for handling by relevant departments.
"The escapees were among over 60 foreign nationals who were found to be working at South African factories without documentation during a multidisciplinary operation last week," he said.
He added that a search for the escapees was underway.
South Africans react to the escape
Social media users weighed in on the escape, with many suggesting that the officers assisted the escapees.
Itso Taz said:
“They were overpowered with a cold drink.”
Luzuko Samente noted:
“Holding cells have a toilet inside. You don't have to go out. Come with another story.”
Tafadzwa Chenjerai added:
“There’s no way 13 suspects just walked out unnoticed. Something doesn’t add up, but 1000×13= 13 000. Easy money.
Malcolm Gemell agreed:
“Somebody received a brown envelope.”
Soekie Owen asked:
“Escape? Or helped?”
Bashini Annamalai Maistry stated:
“Money passed hands is my guess.”
Sihle Christian said:
“They paid somebody who let them go. They didn't escape.
Prisoner escapes through the roof of a truck
Briefly News reported that police in the Western Cape launched a search for a suspect who escaped police custody.
The individual was en route to the Pollsmoor Correctional Facility when he escaped from the roof of the prison truck.
South Africans questioned how it was possible for him to escape through the truck, noting how difficult it is to get out of one.
Source: Briefly News
