THE Port Durnford fugitive who escaped from eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court holding cells in 2013, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars on Wednesday.
Bongani Dube (32) faced several charges including two business robberies, common robbery and escaping from police custody.
In November of 2013, Dube was being escorted back to the cells after appearing in the regional court when he tripped and knocked down a male court orderly, grabbing his 9mm pistol and fleeing on foot.
He was later arrested at Mtubatuba after police received information about his whereabouts.
Dube’s escape raised concerns and fear within the already frightened eSikhaleni community, who believe fugitives are a danger to society.
The incident caused a buzz on social networks, with numerous comments from the public.
‘I have to attend my son’s court case, and I am not sure whether to stay there the whole time. If a criminal can trip and attack a police officer and walk away with a gun, can you imagine what he can do to the rest of us?’ resident Mthoko Mkhwanazi had questioned.
‘Planned escape, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s an inside job,’ Sihle Shandu commented on the website.
Futhi Msweli of eSikhaleni said, ‘I am scared that they might do something to innocent people. I am sure that gun will be used to commit another crime. More safety measures need to be taken, because even the court’s staff are no longer safe.’
Dube was sentenced to three years for escaping from court custody, four years for common robbery, and 15 years for business robbery. He will spend 15 years in prison as all the sentences will run concurrently.
