Cape Town - A manhunt has been launched for a prisoner who meticulously planned his escape from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre.
The premeditated escape took place on Sunday, when it was noted that inmate Yanga Wayithi, 35, could not be detected on CCTV footage.
He escaped from custody while serving a six month sentence for theft and trespassing.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said: “The DCS confirms that an inmate, Yanga Wayithi, a 35-year-old male, escaped from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre. Wayithi is serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing.”
Nxumalo said the prisoner was assigned to a work team responsible for maintaining the facility’s grounds.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been notified, and a case of escape from lawful custody has been opened,” he added.
Nxumalo indicated that the department’s tracing team was actively working to ensure a swift rearrest and that an internal investigation was launched to determine the circumstances of the escape, with the findings informing any further action to be taken.
“As the manhunt continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
Justine Gericke, regional manager: Eastern Cape Management Region Magistrate’s Court of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JCIS), gave insight into his disappearance.
“The inmate escaped on Sunday, 9 February 2025, after he was reported missing by an official after he could not be detected by camera footage in the vicinity of the K9 Unit, where he was last seen,” she said.
“He was a monitor (cleaner and worker) who was booked out for work on this particular day.
“Upon further investigation, his prison clothing was found hidden, which indicated that he was an escapee.
“The escape was immediately reported to the police.
“In terms of the new Section 95D of the Correctional Services Act, all escapes must be reported to JICS immediately.
“The Inspecting Judge can then either investigate the incident or instruct the National Commissioner to investigate.
“We are monitoring the process on an ongoing basis.”