Police have rearrested two of three suspects who escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells in the North West. Photo: Supplied/SAPS
Image: SAPS
Police have rearrested two of three suspects who are awaiting trial after they escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells in the North West.
The suspects, who were initially four, escaped on December 8. Police managed to rearrest one of them immediately after the escape.
Police said the suspects escaped through the roof of their detention cell.
"Police managed to trace and arrest one of the escapees, aged 23, whilst hiking next to the N4 road, near Swartruggens plaza," police said at the time.
Three days later, on Wednesday, police managed to rearrest Johannes Mfaladi, 28, after getting assistance from a local farmer and they found him hiding at a farm in Swartruggens.
Mfaladi has been charged with assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm
On the same day, they arrested Mpho Vincent Madito, 29, at Boshoek. He is facing four charges of rape.
Police are still looking for Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi who was detained for theft at Swartruggens. Photo: Supplied/SAPS
Image: SAPS
Police are still looking for Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi, 25, who was detained for theft.
Police request anyone with information that can assist in the re-arrest of the remaining escapee, to contact the nearest police station or investigating officer, Captain Peterson Monageng on 082 569 5868.
In October, KwaZulu-Natala police launched a manhunt after two convicts escaped from the Nkandla and Vryheid Correctional facilities.
"The circumstances under which the two inmates escaped are being investigated as they were both out with the spans or work teams," said Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said 34-year-old Siyabonga Sikhakhane has been incarcerated at the Nkandla Correctional Centre since March 23 after he was convicted of housebreaking and theft.
"The second escapee is 29-year-old Siphamandla Gift Simelane, serving two years for similar offences of housebreaking and theft. He was admitted at Vryheid Correctional Centre on October 3," Nxumalo said.
He added that the public is urged to contact the nearest police station if they come into contact with the men.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News
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