Cape Times reports that a Drakenstein Correctional Centre official has been dismissed after an internal disciplinary hearing found him guilty of misconduct relating to the escape of convicted murderer from the prison earlier this year.
Landile Yeko, serving 25 years for murder, housebreaking and theft of a vehicle, made headlines in February when he escaped from his cell. He used a hacksaw to saw through the bars of his single cell’s window. He was subsequently caught and given a six-month jail sentence for the prison break. Monwabisi Faltein was charged with breaching security measures and dereliction of duties. According to the charge sheet, he created a security safety risk by switching off lights at the A-unit office before Yeko’s escape. Faltein then failed to conduct regular visits to A-unit cells while performing a second night shift, which facilitated Yeko’s escape. Another of four officers charged over Yeko’s escape was exonerated of the charges against him. The hearing against two more officials will resume in January. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) indicated that it would appeal the guilty verdict as Faltein had been dismissed “prematurely”.
- Read this report by Siyavuya Mzantsi in full at Cape Times
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