Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
06 November 2022
The Police and other law enforcement agencies are on high alert after 12 escaped from lawful custody at Komatipoort Police Station in the evening of Saturday, 05 November 2022. Two escapees, aged 27 and 34 has since been re-arrested at the Libombo Boarder in Komatipoort after reportedly attempting to cross over to Mozambique.
Ten remaining suspects are still at large and are being sought by the police.
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.
Preliminary investigation has so far revealed that 12 inmates reportedly escaped from the police’s holding cells after battling with members of the police, resulting in one member sustaining injuries.
Two service pistols as well as ammunition were also stolen by the suspects during the scuffle.
Soon after their escape, members of the security cluster were activated, two of the suspects (Reginaldo Fulaho and Narsisco Julius Mavalela) were cornered whereby one was arrested by the SAPS on Saturday, 05 November 2022 meanwhile the other was arrested by members of the SANDF on Sunday, 06 November 2022 at the Libombo boarder as they attempted to cross over to Mozambique.
The remaining suspects are Joseph Ubisi (35), Josiah Ndlovu (30), Ruben Macuacua (30), Amos Cossa (25), Ardemeto Madevu (18), Alsido Manique (24), Sergio Tembe (36), Francisco Setoho (38), France Baloi (29), and Smanga Khoza (50).
The suspects were previously arrested for various offences includin, rape, theft, robbery and kidnapping, robbery with firearms, possession of suspected stolen properties, as well as possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles.
An investigation regarding their escape is underway.
The suspects will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.
Police would like to appreciate members who gave information that has led to the rearrests of the two suspects however police still appeal to the public including their families not to approach these remaining suspects as they are considered to be dangerous but rather share information that may lead to their rearrests with police by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
An internal investigation regard possible negligence and aiding has also commended and the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vowed that police will not hesitate to take drastic steps against any member who may be found to be at fault.
