South Africa: Life Sentence Escapee Hunt Ends As Dangerous Kzn Prisoner Rearrested In Gauteng

A high risk prisoner serving a life sentence for multiple violent crimes has been captured after weeks on the run, bringing an intense manhunt to a dramatic end.

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.