ON-THE-RUN BANDIETE NAMED

COPS have released the names and pictures of four bandiete who went on the run after escaping the holding cells at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court this week.  

The South African Police Service identified Linda Soyeza, Mphumeleli Lufutha, Ismail George and Toufieq Damon in a bid to round them up again.

The group faces charges relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and housebreaking and a warrant of an arrest.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg explained that initially six had escaped but that two were re-arrested.

He said: "Wynberg police are seeking the assistance of the public to help with the investigation into the escape of detainees from court on 20 October 2025.

"The suspects between the ages of 22 and 33 appeared in court on charges of illegal possession of firearms, housebreaking, and a warrant of arrest. They were all remanded in custody after their court appearances.

"The suspects between the ages of 22 and 33 appeared in court on charges of illegal possession of firearms, housebreaking, and a warrant of arrest. They were all remanded in custody after their court appearances. They are Linda Soyeza, Mphumeleli Lufutha, Ismail George and Toufieq Damon.

"Anyone with any information who can assist with the investigation or who knows the whereabouts of the suspects can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Abrahams on 079 498 9937 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111."

According to a Daily Voice source, one of the prisoners is from Hanover Park and has earned a reputation as a “runaway bride” after also escaping custody in Philippi.

“In 2023 he was arrested in Philippi and he also escaped from the cells in Philippi and that is the reason why they never gave him bail, because he was like a ‘runaway bride’," the sources said.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit arrested seven suspects in connection with the brutal murders of seven men in Road 53, Better Life, last Friday.

The suspects, aged between 16 and 22, were traced and apprehended during a series of well-coordinated operations on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. 

They are facing multiple charges of murder and will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday.