Pretoria - Police in Hlogotlou, Limpopo, have launched a “massive” manhunt for three male suspects, aged between 20 and 36, who escaped from custody at SAPS Hlogotlou police cells.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the police in Limpopo, said the trio escaped on Thursday at around 6pm.
“It is alleged that police were exchanging shifts when they discovered that the mash wire that protected the roof of the cells was cut out and four inmates were missing,” Ledwaba narrated.
“They promptly launched a massive manhunt for the suspects.”
One of the escapees, Sello Mankge, aged 29, was re-arrested within the police station’s premises while he was trying to find his way out.
“The suspect (Mankge) allegedly committed robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping that took place in the Hlogotlou policing area in January 2022,” said Ledwaba.
“The other three suspects are still at large.”
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were arrested for a series of crimes that were committed at different locations in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune District between 2019 and 2023.
“Thabang Mokoena (20) was arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances that was committed in November 2022 at Hlogotlou policing precinct,” said Ledwaba.
“Thabang Nzima (31) is facing charges of rape that he committed in Motetema policing area in January 2019.
“Lewis Magoro (36) was nabbed for attempted murder and robbery charges that were committed in Motetema policing area in December 2022 and January 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has appealed to community members to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted men.
“Anyone with information that can assist is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Rocco Given Morgan, on 072 114 1732, Crime Stop number 0860 010 111, nearest police station or My SAPS App,” the police appealed.
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