Authorities Hunt Life-Sentenced Inmate After Sevontein Prison Escape

• Thulani Gcaleka, serving a life sentence for serious crimes, escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre on 5 February 2026 while on a prison farm work detail
• The Department of Correctional Services has launched an internal investigation and is considering suspending an official over the security breach
• Authorities have mobilised resources to track down Gcaleka and urge the public to report any information about his whereabouts

PIETERMARITZBURG- The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is considering suspending an official following the escape of Thulani Gcaleka from Sevontein Correctional Centre, part of the Pietermaritzburg Management Area, on 5 February 2026.

Gcaleka, who is serving a life sentence for serious offences including attempted murder, attempted rape, rape, common robbery, and housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, reportedly escaped while assigned to a cleaning work team at the prison farm.

Prison official suspected of involvement

An internal investigation has been launched to determine how the escape occurred. The Department has stressed that it will act decisively against any security breach or deviation from Standard Operating Procedures. Findings from the investigation will guide disciplinary measures and corrective actions in line with the Correctional Services Act.

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The re-arrest of Gcaleka remains a top priority. The public is urged to report any sightings or information about his whereabouts to the nearest police station or correctional facility. A photograph of the escapee has been released to assist with identification.

The Department has mobilised all necessary resources to ensure the swift apprehension of the offender.

Social media comments

@StarJay_23 said:

"If found to be true, it will be so disappointing to still have officials who help dangerous offenders to escape lawful custody."

@BonganiMkhawane commented:

"An offender serving life taken to a farm for cleaning?"

@Jojo_Ntsoane stated:

"Released by your corrupt officials."

@U_Siphoz wrote:

"When you find him straight to Kokstad."

@RaeRalp said:

"Take him immediately to Ebongweni upon rearrest."

Inmate escapes Boksburg prison

In a similar incident, an inmate, Martin Jackson, serving a 20‑year sentence for robbery, theft, and possession of a firearm with ammunition, escaped from Boksburg Correctional Centre on 6 November 2024. The Department said Jackson managed to get away while officials celebrated the appointment of a new area commissioner. Correctional Services mobilised resources to locate him and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information to the nearest police station or correctional facility.

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In another incident, a prisoner being transported to Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in the Western Cape escaped from the roof of the prison truck near Muizenberg. The escape occurred while the inmate was en route to the facility, and members of the public alerted the driver when they saw him fleeing from the truck.SouthSouth Africans questioned how he could escape through the truck, noting how difficult it is to get out of one.

Previously, Briefly News reported that two suspects arrested for possession of stolen property reportedly escaped from police custody after another inmate claimed they transformed into cats and slipped away. The bizarre account quickly drew public ridicule. The South African Police Service opened a case of escaping from lawful custody, with one of the escapees rearrested hours later.

Source: Briefly News