Convicted thief slips off cuffs, escapes Penang courthouse in broad daylight

GEORGE TOWN — In a daring stunt, a convicted thief escaped his guards at the Penang courthouse in the city centre on Thursday afternoon (Sept 29).

Mohd Rozali Omar was believed to be among some 15 people who were to be escorted back to the Jawi Prison in a police truck commonly known as a Black Maria when he made his bold daylight escape at about 4.30pm on foot.

According to a witness, the 32-year-old who was just convicted of motorcycle theft was handcuffed to two other detainees but somehow managed to slip out of them and sprinted for freedom, climbed over the courthouse fence and hotfooted it into the city’s streets.

“He suddenly ran off really fast that the prison guards were unable to give chase in time,” said the witness who asked not to be named.

It is believed there were four or five officials guarding the prison truck at the time.

“He had escaped while being led to the Black Maria, climbed over the court fence before running off in the direction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,” north-east district police chief Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said.

He added that the escapee had earlier pleaded guilty to stealing a motorcycle at the Magistrate’s Court and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and a RM3,000 (S$992) fine.

Mohd Rozali is believed to have 18 past convictions for various offences, including theft.

He was wearing a light blue shirt and black pants when he escaped.

The police has since released his picture and sought public assistance to call the police if they spotted him anywhere.

The Penang Court complex on Light Street is adjacent to several businesses, religious houses of worship and schools, including the all-girls Convent Light Street and the all-boys St Xavier’s Institution. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE