National
C-Max prison escaper nearly does it again─── 05:56 Mon, 07 Oct 2013
Kokstad - Convicted criminal and serial escapee Annanias Mathe nearly broke out of the Ebongweni C-Max prison, near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, the Sunday Tribune reported.
According to the report, Mathe, who escaped from Johannesburg Central prison in January 2005 and Pretoria C-Max prison in 2006, used a hammer and chisel to break through the wall of his maximum security cell on the third floor.
The report cited unnamed sources in the prison system.
He reportedly worked at night for over four months, creating a 30cm-wide hole and used toothpaste and clothing as makeshift plaster to conceal his work.
The break-out attempt was uncovered on Tuesday after a warder heard noises from Mathe's cell.
Mathe was sentenced to 54 years in prison in 2009 for rape, attempted murder, fraud, and armed robbery.
Ebongweni C-Max houses 1 440 inmates, cost R450m to build, and has a spotless escape record, according to the report.
The correctional services department's chief deputy commissioner James Smalberger could not be reached for comment.
According to the report, Mathe, who escaped from Johannesburg Central prison in January 2005 and Pretoria C-Max prison in 2006, used a hammer and chisel to break through the wall of his maximum security cell on the third floor.
The report cited unnamed sources in the prison system.
He reportedly worked at night for over four months, creating a 30cm-wide hole and used toothpaste and clothing as makeshift plaster to conceal his work.
The break-out attempt was uncovered on Tuesday after a warder heard noises from Mathe's cell.
Mathe was sentenced to 54 years in prison in 2009 for rape, attempted murder, fraud, and armed robbery.
Ebongweni C-Max houses 1 440 inmates, cost R450m to build, and has a spotless escape record, according to the report.
The correctional services department's chief deputy commissioner James Smalberger could not be reached for comment.
Sapa
