He thought he could pull a Thabo Bester but was caught in his tracks. The police have arrested one of their own after a detective constable attempted to book a prisoner out of prison. The detective claimed it was for investigation purposes, but it was discovered that he was not working on the case of Zimbabwean businessman Frank Buyanga. Hawks' spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said on Friday, the detective planned to book Buyanga out of Johannesburg Correctional Services in an attempt to help him escape. 

A QUICK THINKER 

"It is alleged on Friday, 14 April 2023, the investigation officer on Buyanga's case received a call from Johannesburg Correctional Services, notifying him that another police officer, a constable, wants to book out the accused for investigation," said Mogale. Mogale said the investigating officer immediately requested the prison warders to delay the detective constable, as he and his colleagues were on their way. "Upon arrival, the constable from Mondeor was presented and further questioned, where it was discovered that he had no case connected to  Buyanga. The member was then arrested," Mogale said. 

WANTED FUGITIVE 

Buyanga was a wanted suspect in his country of origin when he was arrested by Interpol South Africa through the assistance of the SAPS National Intervention Unit in November 2022 at a Sandton hotel. He was wanted by Zimbabwean authorities for kidnapping, robbery and three counts of contempt of court. "Buyanga was granted R150 000 bail by the Randburg Magistrates Court on allegations of kidnapping his son in Harare in 2020 and on charges of contempt of court. But his freedom bid was dashed as he was immediately re-arrested, accused of breaching South African immigration laws. Mogale said the detective constable will appear in court soon.