The police have launched a manhunt for a convicted rapist and kidnapper Clatta Gumbo who escaped yesterday during a hospital visit at the Mamelodi Regional Hospital where he was taken to see a dietician. He allegedly attacked a Correctional Services official, disarmed him before fleeing.

A MANHUNT

The Department of Correctional Services said it is working with other law enforcement agencies in conducting a widespread search operation to locate and apprehend Gumbo. According to Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, Gumbo was admitted as an offender on 28 August 2018. "He is serving life imprisonment for rape, kidnapping and assault at the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre in Tshwane. He was escorted to the hospital for consultation with the dietician when he attacked the guarding official, disarmed him and escaped from the hospital premised," Nxumalo said

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INVESTIGATION INTO THE ESCAPE LAUNCHED

Nxumalo said an immediate action has been taken to have thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. The Correctional Services is appealing to anyone with the information about the whereabouts of Gumbo to contact their nearest centres or police station. "Crucially we encourage the public to be vigilant and report any activity to the law enforcement agencies. The safety of community is our priority," said Nxumalo.