A suspect facing charges of housebreaking and theft made a daring escape from a Johannesburg courthouse on Wednesday, scaling down the multi-story building with his bare hands.
UPDATE: The man who went viral after being filmed escaping from a Johannesburg courthouse, now identified as Thando Sadiki, has been recaptured. In the video below, he explains how he conjured the daring escape.
Manhunt launched for man who escaped from Johannesburg court
The entire incident, captured on video by bystanders, has prompted a full-scale manhunt by Gauteng police.
Eyewitnesses described the tense scene as the suspect manoeuvred down the exterior of the courthouse without any safety equipment.
The escape reportedly took less than 20 seconds, leaving onlookers in shock and raising serious questions about courthouse security. In the footage, the suspect can be seen clinging to windowsills and ledges before reaching the ground and fleeing on foot.
Ordinarily, suspects appearing in court are held in courthouse cells and are often cuffed to prevent such incidents. However, it appears the man managed to evade these measures, exiting the building undetected by security personnel and police.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity, and Gauteng SAPS has yet to issue a formal statement on the escape.
While no injuries were reported during the incident, concerns over public safety and the suspect’s whereabouts remain high.
The video of the escape has since circulated widely on social media, adding pressure on authorities to recapture the individual swiftly.
Police are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses, including how the suspect managed to slip past courthouse security and whether any procedural lapses contributed to the escape.
