Manhunt for Pollsmoor inmates who escaped Wynberg court cells
One of the four suspects who is on the run, Tawfeeq Damo.
Image: Saps
Four awaiting trial prisoners are on the run for nearly three days after escaping the holding cells at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
Police revealed the group face charges relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and housebreaking and a warrant of an arrest.
They are Linda Soyeza, Mphumeleli Lufutha, Ismail George and Tawfeeq Damo and police have since released their photographs in a bid to locate them.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg explained that initially six had escaped but that two were re-arrested.
"Wynberg police are seeking the assistance of the public to help with the investigation into the escape of detainees from court October 20 2025," said Twigg.
"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 Tawfeeq Damo
Mphumeleli Lufutha
Image: SAPS
"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 sources who spoke with the Cape Argus' sister newspaper, the Daily Voice, 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.
Linda Soyeza
Image: SAPS
“Apparently they are still looking for this guy.”
DA MP and Parliamentary Select Committee member on Security and Justice Nicholas Gotsell said it is another example of the criminal justice system being easily exploited.
Gotsell said: “There is no proper integrated system between SAPS, the courts and Correctional Services - everything is still manual.
Ismail George
Image: SAPS
“This outdated process allows hardened criminals to manipulate the system, often swapping identities with cellmates facing lesser charges to slip through the cracks.”
He added that the system needs an honest police service and a corruption-proof, fully integrated biometric system linking SAPS and departments of Justice and Correctional Services.