Within a few hours after the Mossel Bay police has opened an Escape docket following an incident at the local police holding cells early this morning, the fugitive finds himself back behind bars following his prompt arrest in George.
The trial awaiting prisoner, 48-year-old Dale Robert Harmse, escaped under false pretences from the Mossel Bay police holding cells early this morning, Tuesday, 9 November 2021 at about 07:10, pretending to be a detainee for a minor offence who was due for release. Following the escape, Mossel Bay Police opened an Escape from Lawful Custody-docket for further investigation. This daring escape prompted a manhunt with transmissions of the escape given through to neighbouring police stations
(Preliminary investigation reveals that the escapee who stands trial in connection with Fraud charges committed in Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, appeared in the Mossel Bay magistrates’ court yesterday, Monday, 08 November 2021 on mentioned charges. He was remanded in custody at the police cells pending his transfer to the Oudtshoorn Correctional facility this morning.)
Members attached to the George SAPS followed up information they received and apprehended the suspect at a tyre business in George whilst en-route to Oudtshoorn with a lift. He will be returned to Mossel Bay where he will face a charge of Escaping from Lawful Custody.
Police management in the Western Cape has lauded the prompt response and re-arrest of the fugitive.
A departmental investigation was instituted to run parallel with the criminal investigation.