WATCH: Horrific Moment Convicted Murderer Escapes Custody After Striking Officer During Transport in eMpangeni

A convicted murderer escaped from police custody on August 18, 2025, while being transported to the Mtunzini High Court in KwaZulu-Natal for sentencing. The incident occurred on the John Ross Highway under the N2 bridge outside eMpangeni, sparking a large-scale manhunt by authorities.

The escaped individual, Lungani Valentine Mkhize, was traveling from Qalakabusha Prison along with another suspect, Sphelele Gwala. Both men were handcuffed but managed to assault the police captain driving the vehicle by striking him on the head. As the vehicle slowed near traffic lights, the pair opened the doors and fled the scene.

Mkhize, aged 25, had been convicted of the double murder of Road Traffic Inspectorate officers Sizwe Sithole, 48, and Mxolisi Lamula, 36. The officers were gunned down on August 30, 2021, on the N2 in the Nkodibe area near Mtubatuba. He is also accused in the killing of police captain Nkosinathi Ngcobo in eSkhawini during the same year, making him a suspect in a triple murder case. Mkhize and Gwala were arrested in September 2021 and charged with the double murder. At the crime scene of the RTI officers' deaths, police recovered about 15 cartridges from a pistol and an R5 or AK-47 rifle.

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During the escape, Gwala was shot in the leg by police after jumping from the vehicle. He received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to a hospital under 24-hour guard and charged with escaping lawful custody. Mkhize remains at large, with KwaZulu-Natal police conducting an extensive search operation.