SHOT FIRED AS RAPE SUSPECT FLEES FROM COURT

MBABANE - A gunshot had to be fired to stop a rape suspect who tested the intelligence and fitness of police officers at the Mbabane Magistrates Court yesterday.

The group of police officers chased after Phinda Dlamini (25) of Mangwaneni after he unexpectedly took to his heels while standing next to an investigating officer who had brought him to court on rape allegations. Dlamini is accused of raping two women aged 21 and 23 while at Mangwaneni in Mbabane. It was gathered that Dlamini took the chance to flee while waiting for a police van to ferry them back to the police station after he had recorded a confession.

Screams

There were screams from the members of the public after the gunshot was heard. Dlamini was caught by the police officers at Gwamile Street. He had run for about 100 metres from the magistrates court. At the time, members of the public, including passersby and vendors, had concentrated on the dramatic chase. Asked why he escaped from the police, Dlamini stated that he was confused by the matter. He stated that he opted for the confession so that he could clarify some of the allegations levelled against him. Dlamini was remanded in custody until October 10, 2022 for setting of trial date before Acting Mbabane Principal Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati. Escaping from police custody is a criminal offence, however, Dlamini had not been charged when this report was compiled.

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