A fugitive who has been on the run since May this year after escaping from police holding cells has been re-arrested. Lewis Magoro (38) was one of the five suspects who escaped from the SAPS Hlogotlou holding cells in Sekhukhune, Limpopo on 4 May 2023. Two of the suspects were re-arrested within the police station premises before they could get far, while two others were re-arrested within a few days of their escape. Magoro was arrested on Saturday morning, 07 October following a shootout with the police.

SHOOTOUT WITH THE POLICE

The suspect was previously arrested for various offences such as illegal possession of a firearm, attempted murders, business and house robberies committed in the Motetema area in December 2022 and January 2023. The suspect was busted at his hideout in Tafelkop through an intelligence led operation by Motetema Detectives and Crime Prevention members subsequent to a tip-off. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said suspect was wounded during a shootout with the police after he opened fire on them during the arrest. "The firearm was confiscated," Ledwaba said.

POLICE GRATEFUL FOR COMMUNITY WHO TIPPED THEM

The Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said as the police, they appreciated the working relationship with the community who came forward and provided information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive. She also commended the swift response by police to the tip-off. The suspect will appear at different Magistrates Court soon to face additional charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and escaping from lawful custody.