The Democratic Alliance has raised concern after another detainee escaped from police custody in the Western Cape — the third such incident in less than a month. The party confirmed that 17-year-old Ryan Manuel fled from the Bellville SAPS holding cells before court proceedings began.
This latest case follows the recent escape of a convicted rapist from Helderstroom Maximum Prison and the still-unexplained incidents reported at police facilities in Wynberg and Strand.
According to the DA, the recurring breaches point to serious failures in cell-block security and overall discipline within the South African Police Service. The party argues that dangerous suspects are repeatedly walking out of SAPS facilities while the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, has offered no public explanation.
The DA also claims that the Commissioner has not responded to letters or reports requested by Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Justice, despite being copied in official correspondence.
This latest case follows the recent escape of a convicted rapist from Helderstroom Maximum Prison and the still-unexplained incidents reported at police facilities in Wynberg and Strand.
According to the DA, the recurring breaches point to serious failures in cell-block security and overall discipline within the South African Police Service. The party argues that dangerous suspects are repeatedly walking out of SAPS facilities while the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, has offered no public explanation.
The DA also claims that the Commissioner has not responded to letters or reports requested by Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Justice, despite being copied in official correspondence.
The party says this lack of engagement undermines parliamentary oversight at a time when crime levels on the Cape Flats remain high.
The incidents have prompted questions about whether the escapes may involve internal complicity, how a minor was able to flee a high-security court holding area, and why no suspensions or consequences have followed the string of security breaches.
Concerns have also been raised over disciplinary processes within SAPS, with the DA alleging that dismissals of officers found guilty of misconduct are being overturned. The party argues that this has contributed to a culture of impunity within the service.
The DA has now formally requested that Lt Gen Patekile be summoned before Parliament before the end of the year to provide clarity on the Wynberg, Strand and Bellville incidents, explain what led to the breakdown in security, and outline what measures are being introduced to prevent further breaches.
The party says communities affected by violent crime need answers and assurances that detainees will remain securely in custody.
The incidents have prompted questions about whether the escapes may involve internal complicity, how a minor was able to flee a high-security court holding area, and why no suspensions or consequences have followed the string of security breaches.
Concerns have also been raised over disciplinary processes within SAPS, with the DA alleging that dismissals of officers found guilty of misconduct are being overturned. The party argues that this has contributed to a culture of impunity within the service.
The DA has now formally requested that Lt Gen Patekile be summoned before Parliament before the end of the year to provide clarity on the Wynberg, Strand and Bellville incidents, explain what led to the breakdown in security, and outline what measures are being introduced to prevent further breaches.
The party says communities affected by violent crime need answers and assurances that detainees will remain securely in custody.
