The police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for five suspects who escaped from police holding cells in different parts of the province. On Thursday, five suspects escaped from Hlogotlou police holding cells in Sekhukhune but two were re-arrested inside the police station premises before they could get far. On Friday, two suspects escaped from the Phalaborwa police holding cells, hours after they were arrested at a mine where they allegedly destroyed essential infrastructure.  

 FACING SERIOUS CHARGES 

It's alleged that the police were exchanging shifts in Hlogotlou when they discovered that the mash wire that protected the roof of the cells was cut out and four inmates were missing. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police immediately launched a manhunt for the suspects. "The suspects were arrested for a series of serious crimes that were committed at different locations in Limpopo's Sekhukhune District between 2019 and 2023. "Thabang Mokoena (20) was arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances that was committed in November 2022 at Hlogotlou policing precinct," said Ledwaba. He added that Thabang Nzima (31) is facing charges of rape that he committed in Motetema policing area in January 2019. Lewis Magoro (36) was nabbed for attempted murder and robbery charges that were committed in Motetema policing area in December 2022 and January 2023, he said.  Anyone with information that can assist is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Rocco Given Morgan, on 072 114 1732, Crime Stop number 0860 010 111, nearest police station or My SAPS App.  ?

MORE ESCAPES 

In another incident, two inmates escaped from police holding cells in Phalaborwa on Friday. The two male suspects believed to be Mozambican nationals were nabbed on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure at a mine in Phalaborwa. "It is reported that two male suspects were arrested by a security company outside the mine, and they called the police who immediately responded. The suspects were then driven to the police station before escaping," Ledwaba said. He added that the circumstances surrounding the suspects escape from lawful custody is the subject of internal Investigation. Anyone with information that can assist with the re-arrest of Roger Mthembu (42) and Makalani Malembe (47) believed to be residents from Tembisa in Gauteng Province is requested to contact the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Freddie Lubbe on 082 573 3601