KEY POINTS
- Johannesburg court escapee rearrested within 24 hours in Malvern.
- Security concerns rise as police investigate increasing escape cases.
- Suspect faces additional charges after daring courthouse breakout.
A suspect who made a daring escape from Jeppe Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg has been rearrested after being on the run for less than 24 hours.
The video of the escape, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the suspect climbing out of a window in the multi-story building, sliding down railings, and finally jumping to the ground before running off.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the incident occurred on February 18, 2025, while the suspect was in court for a housebreaking and theft case.
Following the escape, law enforcement launched an urgent manhunt, successfully tracking him down in Malvern on February 19, 2025.
He was rearrested by the Jeppe tracing team and now faces additional charges of escaping from lawful custody.
Court escapes becoming a trend?
This isn’t the first time a suspect has broken free from police custody in South Africa.
In December 2024, three suspects escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells in North West.
Two escaped prisoners were captured by authorities including the 28-year-old suspect who had committed an assault was discovered at a local farm, after a farmer reported his location.
Authorities later arrested another suspect facing rape charges in Boschhoek.
A third escapee waiting for theft charges continues to elude capture and the police actively seek him.
The recent prison breaks have prompted citizens to demand enhanced security protocols because of concerns about court and police station safety measures.
Law enforcement’s response
Gauteng police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to strengthen security and prevent further escapes.
Nevhuhulwi emphasized that authorities take such incidents seriously in his comments on the latest case.
According to IOL, he noted that suspects who attempt to flee will face additional criminal charges.
Meanwhile, community members and social media users have expressed concerns over the ease with which the suspect managed to escape.
Many are calling for an investigation into court security procedures and greater accountability among officers responsible for detainees.
With the latest rearrest, the suspect will now face his original charges of housebreaking and theft, as well as new charges for escaping from lawful custody. He will appear before the court again in the coming days.
