Lauren Isaacs12 February 2025 | 8:36

Inmate who escaped from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre rearrested

Yanga Wayithi is serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing.

Inmate who escaped from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre rearrested

Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town. Picture: Google Maps

CAPE TOWN - A 35-year-old inmate who escaped from the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre has been rearrested.

Yanga Wayithi is serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing.

He was assigned to a work team responsible for maintaining the prison grounds when he made a run for it on Tuesday.

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The Department of Correctional Services' Singabakho Nxumalo said Wayithi was nabbed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"Correctional Services is able to confirm the rearrest of Yanga Wayithi, following a coordinated law enforcement operation. 

"Wayithi was apprehended at about 01:30 in the morning of Wednesday, the 12th of February. He is now back in custody at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility."

Nxumalo said Wayithi would now face additional charges relating to his escape from lawful custody.

"A full-scale investigation is underway to determine the circumstances around the escape and appropriate measures will be taken against any lapses identified. 

"What is also important to state is that security protocols at Pollsmoor are under review to prevent similar incidents in the future."