A SUSPECT who has been positively linked to the murder of elderly Kamma Park resident, Ann Smit (86), earlier this year, as well as several cases of house-breaking in the Kabega Park, Walmer and Mount Road areas, is back in custody, after escaping from the Walmer Police Station during questioning.
The suspect, Sizwe Jika (27), appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday and Monday where the case was postponed to October 29.
Apart from the charges of murder, robbery and escaping from lawful custody, Jika is also facing seven charges of housebreaking.
According to police spokesperson, Col Priscilla Naidu, detectives are also still investigating if he can be linked to other crimes.
Smit was attacked in May at her Kamma Park home with a hammer or axe.
According to Naidu, Jika was one of two men who were taken in for questioning and profiling by Walmer police members after they were found in Adam Road in Charlo around noon on Friday, September 21.
According to Naidu, the men could not account for their presence in the area, which is regarded as a hot-spot area for housebreakings.
“They were brought to the police station for further profiling.
“While the detective officer was busy verifying the fingerprints of one of the suspects, Jika jumped through the open window and ran away,” said Naidu.
A cluster detective trio task team worked around the clock to find the suspect after his escape.
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