Prison "Houdini" Ananias Mathe has died
He achieved notoriety in 2006, after escaping from the high security C Max prison in Pretoria. The Mozambican born Mathe had a string of convictions behind his name - including murder, rape and robbery.
Correctional Services spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Thulani Mdluli, says Mathe died on the 27th of December.
"According to the medical report he suffered from digestive issues and died as a result thereof" Mdluli told Jacaranda FM News.
Mdluli added Mathe had been admitted to various hospitals in recent months, complaining of digestive complications.
"He died in the King Edward Hospital in Durban," Mdluli said.
Mathe was arrested on 51 counts of murder, attempted murder, rape, hijacking and armed robbery in November 2006.
While detained in the A6 ward of C-Max Penitentiary, Mathe managed to escape by smearing himself with petroleum jelly and sliding out of his cell window.
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Mdluli also confirmed that Mathe attempted to escape from the ultra secure C-Max Kokstad Prison a few months ago, but failed to evade prison wardens.
"He tried to escape but officials kept a close eye on him and thus he was apprehended before he could escape the maximum security facility," Mdluli said.
A post mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Mathe's death.