After requesting permission to use the toilet facilities Visagie escaped through a window and used a ladder to gain access to the second floor of the Karoo Country Inn Hotel.
He managed to climb up onto the roof, from where he threatened to jump off to commit suicide.
Police tried to negotiate with Visagie, and a girlfriend was also allowed to approach the building in an attempt to convince him to come down.
Visagie smoked cigarettes that had been handed to him by a brave member policeman who had climbed a fire brigade ladder to talk to him.
After threatening to climb onto an airconditioning unit and jump to his death, the police officer again climbed the ladder and finally convinced a visibly distressed Visagie to leave the roof with him.
According to bystanders, who had engaged Visagie while on the roof, he said he was scared of returning to prison and he would sooner end his life.
DispatchLIVE
WATCH | Eastern Cape police rescue suicidal parolee who threatens to jump off building
Image: ELSABE PIENAAR
A 26-year old handcuffed man was rescued from a rooftop by Eastern Cape police on Monday morning after he threatened to jump from a rooftop.
Gubani Visagie, an awaiting trial prisoner who was out on bail for robbery, arrived at the department of correctional services, Middleburg, in the Eastern Cape, at around 7am to sign his bail conditions.
After officials picked up inconsistencies regarding his residential address, Visagie was prevented from leaving and handcuffed.
After requesting permission to use the toilet facilities Visagie escaped through a window and used a ladder to gain access to the second floor of the Karoo Country Inn Hotel.
He managed to climb up onto the roof, from where he threatened to jump off to commit suicide.
Police tried to negotiate with Visagie, and a girlfriend was also allowed to approach the building in an attempt to convince him to come down.
Visagie smoked cigarettes that had been handed to him by a brave member policeman who had climbed a fire brigade ladder to talk to him.
After threatening to climb onto an airconditioning unit and jump to his death, the police officer again climbed the ladder and finally convinced a visibly distressed Visagie to leave the roof with him.
According to bystanders, who had engaged Visagie while on the roof, he said he was scared of returning to prison and he would sooner end his life.
DispatchLIVE
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