South Africa

Wanted man on run

February 23, 2004 Edition -1

Anil Singh

Durban police have launched a massive manhunt for one of KwaZulu-Natal's most wanted men who has escaped from police custody for the sixth time.

Linda Ngoma, 24, who is wanted for no less than six murders and hijackings is alleged to have escaped by jumping out of a moving police car while in handcuffs on Friday afternoon at Umbumbulu.

Now the two detectives of the Durban Serious Violent Crime Unit who were transporting Ngoma are to face an internal disciplinary inquiry for failing to follow instructions. Capt Gilbert Nota, said he personally told the two detectives Ngoma should not be taken out of the police cells without leg irons.

"Ngoma is one of our most wanted criminals. We have been looking for him since last year. On Friday I received a call to say he had escaped by jumping out of a moving police car, and had fled into the informal settlement in U section, Umbumbulu.

"Ngoma is a ruthless criminal who won't hesitate to kill. So far we have connected him to four murders and two hijackings. We were in the process of linking him to several other serious cases before his escape. Policemen and our informers who assisted us in Ngoma's arrest are now scared for their safety," said Nota.

Police spokesman Supt Vishnu Naidoo said it was a serious indictment on the police if a suspect was able escape from police custody six times.

"If it is found that the suspect received police assistance in his escape, then criminal charges will be laid against the detectives concerned," said Naidoo.

Provincial commander of the Serious Violent Crime Unit, Dir Johan Booysen, said he was disgusted at Ngoma's escape.

"It is very disheartening when policemen put their lives on the line to arrest a dangerous criminal, and then the person is allowed to escape because orders were not followed. I have instructed Supt Simon Madonsela to investigate a case of aiding and abetting a suspect to escape against the two detectives concerned. In the meantime Captain Nota and Supt Willie Olivier, will launch a disciplinary hearing against the two detectives," said Booysen.

Ngoma's crime spree started in November 1997. Since then he has been arrested several times for murder, attempted murder, hijacking and possession of unlicensed guns. However, each time before he could be taken to court he escaped from police custody.

Police said Ngoma is about 1.75m tall and is dark in complexion. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Nota at 031 203 7343 or 082 829 5281.

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