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Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the family of a Correctional Services Official, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in the Eastern Cape on Saturday (25 August 2012).

According to Correctional Services Eastern Cape Regional Commissioner Mr. Nkosinathi Breakfast, 11 awaiting trial detainees escaped after holding officials hostage at the Barkley East Correctional Centre at approximately 16h00 on 25 August 2012. Correctional Services Official Mr. Mzukisi Michael Dusubana (54) was shot and fatally wounded by the escapees during the incident.

"On behalf of the Correctional Services family, we want to convey sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Mzukisi Michael Dusubana (54) who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday (25 August 2012) at the Barkley East Correctional Centre. We also wish those officials injured during the hostage incident a speedy recovery.

We commend the police for the swift arrest of four detainees, and call upon them to leave no stone unturned in this investigation so that all culprits who committed this merciless brutal act face the consequences of their actions. When any member of the Correctional Services family loses his or her life, particularly as cowardly as what happened on Saturday (25 August 2012), it breaks all our hearts.

We, however, urge all our officials, who risk their lives while protecting society, to continue to execute their duties fearlessly and within the framework of the law. We shall never accept, nor allow, this to continue because the killing of a single law enforcement officer robs the nation," said Minister Ndebele.

Correctional Services National Commissioner Mr. Tom Moyane, accompanied by senior officials, is expected to visit the family of the late Mr. Dusubana tomorrow (28 August 2012).

“Four detainees have since been re-arrested, and police are working round the clock to ensure that the remaining seven are arrested. The public is warned not to confront the offenders who are on the run, should they see them or know about their whereabouts, but to immediately report such information to the SAPS,” Mr. Moyane said.