One of the most wanted criminals in the Eastern Cape was re-arrested in Mthatha, Eastern Cape police said on Sunday.

The 40-year-old man was arrested while sitting in his car on Sunday, said Superintendent Mike Fatyela.

He escaped from police custody in 2006 while awaiting trial for armed robbery, hijacking and theft of motor vehicles.

"An additional charge for escaping from custody was added," said Fatyela.

He would appear in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Sapa