Escaped offender Thulani Gcaleka rearrested in Gauteng.
Image: Supplied
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed the rearrest of high-profile escapee Thulani Gcaleka, who had been on the run since February 5, 2026.
Gcaleka was apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday in the Gauteng Province.
Gcaleka, who was serving a life sentence for serious crimes including attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, robbery, and housebreaking with intent, escaped from Sevontein Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal while part of a cleaning work team assigned to the prison farm.
The department highlighted the intensified efforts that led to his capture.
"This specialised team works to augment and support existing regional capabilities, ensuring a coordinated and intensified response to such incidents. The rearrest of offender Gcaleka is a direct result of these strengthened efforts."
The department warned that escaping from lawful custody is a grave offence.
"Escapees pose a significant risk to public safety, and the Department remains resolute in ensuring that all those who evade custody are swiftly traced and returned," the department said.
Gcaleka will now face additional criminal charges related to his escape. Internally, he will be reclassified to a higher security category and transferred to a maximum-security facility. Disciplinary processes are also ongoing to determine whether any prison officials were negligent or complicit in the escape.
The department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on escapes, emphasizing that all offenders who flee custody will be pursued relentlessly.
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