ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
NORTH WEST: The police in Swartruggens have launched a manhunt for three awaiting trial detainees who escaped from police holding cells on Sunday. It is alleged that four detainees escaped after forcing their exit through the roof of their detention cell. One suspect aged 23 was traced and re-arrested while trying to get a lift next to the N4 road, Swartruggens plaza. Three other escapees are still on the run and the police are working on tracing them. Mpho Vincent Madito (29) was arrested and detained for four rape cases reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad; Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi (25) is facing charges of theft and Johannes Mfaladi (28) was detained for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Swartruggens. North West police spokesperson Colonel Adele Mynurgh said the investigation into the matter, including circumstances that led to the escape, continue. Anyone with information that can assist in re-arresting the remaining three escapees is asked to contact the nearest police station or the investigating officer, Captain Peterson Monageng, at 082 569 5868.
NOTHERN CAPE: The state intends to oppose the bail of a police constable who is facing three counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one count of kidnapping. It's alleged that on November 15th, Constable Luthando Meintjies (27), who appeared in the Upington District Court yesterday, arrived at his place of residence with the 23-year-old complainant at night after drinking. That night, the cop allegedly ordered the complainant to call her mother as he wanted money to buy more alcohol. When she could not get the money from her mother, he assaulted her and went on to allegedly rape her numerous times that night. NPA regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the complainant tried to escape and hide in the bathroom. She sent her uncle a text message to come and rescue her before Meintjies broke down the door and opened it. "The uncle arrived at the accused's home with the police and the accused was arrested and charged with rape, assault, GBH and kidnapping,' Senokoatsane said. The matter was postponed to today for further bail purposes.
FREE STATE: A 63-year-old suspect appeared briefly in the Welkom Magistrate's Court yesterday following his arrest on Saturday, 7 December 2024, for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. According to the police, the arrest came after the 12-year-old victim informed her aunt that the suspect had been raping her since 2022 and giving her money to keep quiet. The matter was reported to the police
and the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with rape. The matter was postponed to next Tuesday for a formal bail application.
