BLACK TERROR

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1932, Page 8

BLACK TERROR

A PRISON BREAKER

DETECTIVES IN AMBUSH

CAPE TOWN, May 7

“When lam killed, others will die as well.” This is the creed of John Foss, 35, a Xosa prison breaker, burglar, incendiary, and inderterminatc sentence convict, who, after fortythree days’ liberty, is now openly defying the police, and is living with a (lords of bandit followers in East Bank location. East London. ;>«.

. .He is armed, has spies who kee him posted with the latest polka moves, and often sends messages ti native detectives telling how theii plans for his recapture have failed. He is, in fact, a black, AT Capone, and the whole - town has been thrown into a- state of excitement and uneasiness by his audacious and almost unbelievable crimes and messages.

Foss escaped from the local gaol on January 24. He was waiting trial o: a dozen different charges, which included attempted murder. Reliable information shows that he went straight back to his old haunts on the outskirts of the town, and from there has sent messages to say that In will not be recaptured alive. Posses of detectives are hiding day and night in the thickly wooded ravines which surround the town, and every possible exit from the location is guarded by armed men.

Meanwhile the goal-breaker’s followers are terrorising the location, stealing robbing and pilfering under tin guidance of “the uncrowned king ol detribalised natives,” as he is called in town.

To add to the discomfort of tin police, a certain number of crimes hnvi been .committed in the past few weeks, and the public is asking openly 'whether these are not connected with tin fact that Scarface it still at large. DETECT!VES BEATEN.

Une night last week Joseph Sileka. a powerful native detective, disguised himself as a woman so as to approach a hut where Foss was believed to be carousing. The liut proved to be empty, but a crowd gathered to wat<; the police at work.

Suddenly, not five yards from him in the forefront of the onlookers, Sileka recognised Foss, who was apparently deriving the utmost aniuseinenl out of the situation.

Sileka jumped at him, and Fo s s produced ■ a double-barrelled shot-gun which he had concealed under his coat.

They gap pled and struggled for the gun, and another detective managed to strike Foss a vicious blow on the head. The gun was broken in the struggle. Jn a moment, a crowd of Foss’ supporters surged round, and before the handcuffs could be sapped on, Foss had recovered and drew a wicked-look ing knife. The native constables, quite unprepared for such a sudden turn of events, jumped aside, and in a fraction of a second Foss had disappeared

into the crowd. AN AMAZING STORY

Last night an amazing story gained currency in town. Foss, who, incidentally, is the one and only local topic of conversation at the moment, was reported to have been seen dressed in woman’s clothes and riding a bicycle along the esplanade. Police on motorcycles gave chase, but no arrest was made.

There is ground for suspicion that Foss is notified of impending police movements and is in touch with someone who is in a position to gather inside information. However, no reflection is cast on the local police. They are understaffed and are making valiant efforts to deal with a master criminal.

The town is waiting in a state of nervous tension for the next development in this black A 1 Capone’s amazing career.