Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for three awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from custody.
The inmates escaped on Wednesday while being transported from Groblersdal to Witbank prison.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the trio escaped on Wednesday morning, at around 11am.
“The three awaiting trial prisoners, Michael Masimula, Mahlatse Matebane and Lovemore Moshiu aged between 20 and 40, appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court (on Tuesday) and were (on Wednesday) morning being transported to prison together with three other prisoners when they escaped next to Moutse Mall in Dennilton policing area,” said Mojapelo.
“The escapees appeared [in court] on charges of murder, rape, armed robberies, cash-in-transit heists and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” Mojapelo said.
Police are searching for the three prison escapees, Mojapelo said.
“The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that the escapes be hunted down and brought back where they belong.
“The suspects are considered dangerous, and people are cautioned not to approach them but must instead call the police,” Mojapelo said.
He said circumstances surrounding the trios escape is still being investigated.
A case of escaping from lawful custody has been opened and investigations are continuing, Mojapelo said.
“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 08600 10111, or may send a message via My SAPS App,” Mojapelo said.
Source: The Citizen, IOL, Jacaranda FM, image from Twitter: @PolokwaneObserv