Police are investigating a strange case involving two suspects who allegedly shapeshifted and became cats in order to escape from the Meyerton Police Station holding cells on Tuesday morning.

The suspects, brothers Omari and Ali Mustafa, were among 11 suspects who were arrested for possession of hijacked good.

Omari has since been rearrested, while his brother remains on the run.

In the summary of events given to Gauteng provincial commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, police say the two men allegedly disappeared while being processed in the holding cells.

The statement reads:

The cell commander, Warrant Officer Phakathi, and Constable Mahloko were also in cells locked themselves in while the suspects were charged (sic). When it was a turn to charge this other [two] suspects, known as Mustafa Ali and Omari Mustafa, their names were called but they couldn’t be found. Among those suspects, there is a suspect known as Erick Tumbulu – who informed the police that he saw when these two suspects made a strange like owl bird noise, turned into cats and they escaped while the gate was still locked, he was prepared to even give a statement.

The officer who wrote the statement said on his arrival, he personally – together with Warrant Officer Maloka – went to the cells to take a headcount.

The process entails physically counting the inmates one by one to ensure that the numbers tally.

The officer wrote: “Voluntarily, this suspect explained what he saw when those suspects turned into cats and escaped. A docket of escape in lawful custody was opened, district duty officer and acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Makhene was informed, including IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) member [only identified as] Tinyiko was also informed.”

A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said it was very suspicious that the suspects waited to arrive at the police holdings cells before they could turn into cats.

The officer said:

That’s if they even became cats, because I suspect someone was paid for their unlawful release. Ipid has to start by ensuring that those on that shift are suspended and investigated for aiding criminals to escape.

Gauteng province police spokesperson Noxolo Kweza has confirmed that officers on duty during the escape are indeed being investigated, and confirmed the rearrest of one of the escapees.

Kweza said: “Meyerton police have opened a disciplinary case against members following an escape from lawful custody. This follows an incident where two suspects, who were arrested for possession of hijacked goods, escaped from police custody. The circumstances of the escape will form part of the investigation.”

Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 05:59 am