By Augustine Ehikioya
For escaping while in transit, Police officials in South Africa have launched manhunt for three dangerous awaiting trial prisoners.
They escaped in transit on Wednesday 25 January, 2023 while been transferred from one prison to the other.
A statement by Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner, Limpopo, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that the escapees had appeared on charges of murder, rape, armed robberies, cash-in-transit heists and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
It reads “The Police in Dennilton have launched a manhunt for three dangerous inmates who escaped whilst being transported from Groblersdal to Witbank Prison this morning, Wednesday 25 January, 2023 at about 11:00.
“The three awaiting trial prisoners, Michael Masimula, Mahlatse Matebane and Lovemore Moshui aged between 20 and 40, appeared in Groblersdal Magistrate Court yesterday and were this morning being transported to Prison together with three other prisoners when they escaped next to Moutse Mall in Dennilton Policing area.
“The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that the escapees be hunted down and brought back to where they belong.”
The circumstances surrounding their escape, the statement said, are still being investigated.
It added “The suspects are considered dangerous and people are cautioned not to approach them but must instead call the Police. Anyone with information may contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, Crime Stop number 0860010111 or may send message via MySAPSApp
“A case of escaping from lawful custody has been opened and investigations are continuing,” it stated.