Komatipoort

12 prisoners escape from Komatipoort police station. Image: Pixabay.

12 suspects previously arrested for rape, kidnapping escape from Komatipoort police station

A dozen suspects escaped from the holding cells at Komatipoort Police Station after “a battle” with SAPS members on Saturday.

Komatipoort

12 prisoners escape from Komatipoort police station. Image: Pixabay.

A dozen suspects escaped from Komatipoort Police Station on Saturday evening, 5 November, after a scuffle with police members. Two escapees were arrested while attempting to cross the border into Mozambique, the others remain at large.

KOMATIPOORT POLICE STATION PRISONERS ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) preliminary investigation found the prisoners escaped from the Komatipoort station in Mpumalanga after “battling with members of the police.”

At least one SAPS member was injured in the scuffle and two service pistols and ammunition were stolen.

“According to the report, the circumstances surrounding the escape is still under investigation however the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has visited the station immediately after the incident and appointed a team led by a Senior Officer to get into the bottom of what might have transpired,” said Colonel Donald Mdhluli.

Reginaldo Fulaho and Narsisco Julius Mavalela were arrested by the police and members of the army as they tried to cross the border.

The 10 suspects who remain at large are Joseph Ubisi, 35, Josiah Ndlovu, 30, Ruben Macuacua, 30, Amos Cossa, 25, Ardemeto Madevu, 18, Alsido Manique, 24, Francisco Setoho, 38, France Baloi, 29 and Smanga Khoza, 50.

“The suspects were previously arrested for various offences including rape, theft, robbery and kidnapping, robbery with firearms, possession of suspected stolen properties, as well as possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles,” said Mdhluli.

The police spokesperson added the escapees will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

An internal investigation into possible negligence and aiding the suspects is currently underway. The Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela, said SAPS will not hesitate to take drastic action against any member found at fault.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any information about the escapees to Crime Stop at 08600-10111. A tip-off reportedly led to the recapture of the two suspects.

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