Thulani Gcaleka, who escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, has been rearrested in Gauteng in the early hours of Tuesday.

Authorities confirmed that Gcaleka had been on the run since 5 February after escaping from a prison farm work team where he had been assigned cleaning duties.

His disappearance triggered serious concern due to the nature of his crimes.

Gcaleka is serving a life sentence for a string of serious offences including attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, robbery and housebreaking.

For more than a month, he remained out of custody, raising alarm about public safety and the security of correctional facilities.

Now, the Department of Correctional Services says the breakthrough came after intensified efforts led by a specialised Track and Tracing Team established by National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale.

The unit focuses specifically on high risk and high profile escapees, working across provinces to track down offenders who evade custody.

Officials say the arrest is a direct result of this targeted strategy.

But the consequences for Gcaleka are far from over.

He is now expected to face additional criminal charges for escaping from lawful custody.

Correctional Services has also confirmed that he will be moved to a maximum security facility and placed under stricter classification to prevent any future escape.

At the same time, internal investigations are underway to determine how the escape happened and whether any officials were negligent or complicit.

Authorities have made it clear that accountability will follow.

The Department has warned that escaped offenders remain a serious threat to communities and has vowed to act swiftly against anyone who attempts to evade the law.

This case has once again exposed the risks linked to prison farm labour systems and the challenges of managing dangerous offenders outside high security conditions.

But for now, one of the country’s most dangerous escapees is back behind bars.

And the message from authorities is clear.

Run if you want. But you will be found.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has identified three suspects in the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale as part of a criminal syndicate preying on women, particularly in shopping malls.

The suspects, Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu, are accused of of luring women through social media or direct approaches in malls, only to rob and, in some cases, kill them.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS spokesperson, revealed the syndicate’s chilling modus operandi
which includes inviting women on dates as a pretext to commit violent crimes.

Mongale’s body was discovered in Lombardy West, Johannesburg and police have since seized a white VW Polo in Durban linked to the crime, found with blood traces at a Phoenix panel beater workshop.

An elderly man, believed to be the vehicle’s owner and father of one suspect, has been arrested.
Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were previously arrested on April 20, for kidnapping and robbery in Brakpan, Johannesburg, using the same vehicle, but were released on bail.

Now considered dangerous and on the run, the trio is the focus of a nationwide manhunt. SAPS has appealed to the public to share the suspects’ photos to aid the investigation, as hundreds of women have reported similar encounters with the group.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact their nearest police station. The case has sparked outrage, highlighting the vulnerability of women to targeted violent crime in public spaces.

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KwaZulu-Natal police say the men were wanted in connection with a string of violent crimes — including the cold-blooded murder of a 66-year-old man, his wife, and two police officers.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, intelligence led officers to the suspects’ vehicle along Mophela’s main road. But when police tried to pull them over, the suspects didn’t surrender — they started shooting.

“Officers returned fire, and during the exchange, all five suspects were fatally wounded,” said Netshiunda.

Although a full search of their vehicle is still underway, officers have already recovered three firearms at the scene.

These men were not unknown to law enforcement.

Just last week, one of their alleged victims — a 66-year-old man — was gunned down at his home in Ekwandeni. That killing came just months after he survived a previous assassination attempt in January. Tragically, his wife was not so fortunate — she was shot and killed at the same residence in February.

Police also believe the same group may have been involved in the murder of two officers.

“This may just be the tip of the iceberg,” said Netshiunda. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we believe these suspects could be linked to other violent crimes in the province.”

As police continue to uncover more about the men’s alleged crimes, the community is left breathing a little easier — relieved that a violent chapter may finally have come to a close.

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