South Africa – A Zimbabwean criminal who was serving 20 years at a maximum-security prison in Pretoria is reported to have escaped together with a Mozambican convict serving a life sentence.

Johannes Chauke from Zimbabwe and Thabo Zacharia Muyambo from Mozambique are claimed to have escaped from Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Tshwane on Wednesday.

The South African Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo who spoke to Times Live confirmed the development. He revealed that one of the escapees Thabo Zacharia Muyambo was serving a life sentence.

“The escapees are Thabo Zacharia Muyambo from Mozambique is serving a life sentence for 21 counts of various crimes including rape, robbery and kidnapping. Johannes Chauke from Zimbabwe is serving 20 years for housebreaking offences.”

The South Africa Department of Correctional Services is working with the police to re-arrest the two suspects. A manhunt for the two suspects has since been launched.

“The two are still at large and members of the Emergency Support Team from Correctional Services, working closely with the South Africa Police Service are hot on their heels,” said the Department of Correctional Services.

Singabakho Nxumalo called on members of the public to come forward if they have any information pertaining to the two escapees.

“The public is urged to contact the nearest police station should they come into contact with the men,” Nxumalo said.