ARMED, ‘AWOL’ WARDERS LAST SEEN AT BHALEKANE

NHLANGANO – The two officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) who have gone AWOL with a service rifle and ammunition were last seen the past weekend in their home area as they were off duty.

Others also spotted them at Bhalekane enjoying alcoholic beverages during the same period. This is according to a relative who did not want to be mentioned, who further stated that the duo, Bheka Brian Magagula of Nkambeni and Phakamani ‘Gravel’ Magagula of Dvokolwako, were friends and were both home a few days ago. According to the relative, they were last seen enjoying alcoholic beverages together and they later went back to work.  Though he did not want to divulge information on the state the family was in after they heard the news that they were wanted, he only said the family was aware of what was happening.  

Statement

HMCS has released a statement informing members of the public and the entire Correctional cadre about the two absent without official leave (AWOL) armed officers, who are stationed at Pigg’s Peak Correctional Centre. The incident, according to HMCS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Gugulethu Dlamini, happened on August 29, 2022 while the duo was on duty.
“The two officers disappeared with a service rifle and ammunition,” reads part of the statement. In that regard, Dlamini said the department was sending out a warning to members of the public to be careful of these armed officers who disappeared and might appear in full uniform.

She said they had since launched an investigation into the matter and were requesting members of the public to assist them with information that may lead to locating the duo. “We further request members of the public not to hesitate but contact the police emergency call-line (999), nearest police station, Pigg’s Peak Correctional Centre at 24371045 or Correctional Operations Office at 2404 2476, as they are armed and pose serious harm to society,” further reads the statement.

Directing to the two officers, Dlamini said they were requesting them to also heed the call and return with the service rifle, while adding that they were willing to assist them in that regard. It is worth noting that information sourced by this publication was that one of the two officers tried to communicate with his colleagues that he was under duress when he appeared in a viral video. It was said that he was, however, not found when he was later questioned on his whereabouts. When asked about the incident, the PRO requested not to respond and said they were still investigating.

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