Extensive networking and sleepless nights by Nyanga detectives, members of the Flying Squad and Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC) resulted in the re-arresting of a convicted criminal, Phelo Mtala. The convicted escapee was arrested last night after his vehicle was pulled over in Durbanville while he was on his way back from Malmesbury. During the arrest the accused was with two women and a man.
On 17 May 2019 the accused was appearing in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court with another accused who was supposed to be released on the day and he was supposed to go back to Pollsmoor Prison to attend to another High Court matter which he was already convicted on. The accused was convicted on three counts of murder and three counts of possession of illegal firearm cases. The accused was then released by placing his fingerprints on the documents of the accused who was supposed to be released.
Since he escaped from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, the team had sleepless nights in pursuit of him. With the help of brave informers, police pounced on him last night.
He is expected to appear in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court once charged for escaping from lawful custody and will also be requisitioned from Pollsmoor to the Wynberg Court for his other cases. The other three occupants will also be charged for aiding and harbouring a convicted criminal.
The Provincial Commander of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula applauded the team in ensuring that this convicted criminal is re-arrested.
