Polokwane – Four awaiting-trial detainees escaped from lawful custody at the Nebo Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an intensive police manhunt that has already led to the re-arrest of one suspect.
According to the South African Police Service, the incident occurred at about 15:55 while a court orderly from SAPS Masemola was escorting eight prisoners from court proceedings to a marked police vehicle for transport back to the station.
Police said four detainees allegedly managed to flee during the process.
“Police officers, security personnel, tracking teams, detectives, and members attached to Visible Policing immediately responded and conducted a search operation in the surrounding areas,” SAPS said in a statement.
Information later led officers to Mabintane Village, where one of the escapees, 19-year-old Sithole Courage Chingwedere, was re-arrested on the same day.
The remaining fugitives have been identified as Mahlekete Honest (33), Sello Madhodha (18), and Noel Shabangu (40).
Police said the two younger suspects, aged 18 and 19, had previously been arrested in connection with six counts of house robbery allegedly committed in the Masemola policing area, while the 40-year-old detainee was being held for contravening immigration laws.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public for assistance in locating the remaining escapees.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Nebo Detective Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Goodhope Makofane, on 072 111 2102, the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPSApp.
Police investigations into the escape are continuing.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
