A South African Defence Force member was arrested for allegedly helping six awaiting trial prisoners escape from police custody in Makhado, Limpopo. The soldier Kedibone Albert Langa (38), was arrested together with one of the escapee's brothers Thabani Sibanada (28) in Musina on Tuesday night by the members of Limpopo Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery unit for their alleged involvement in the escape. 

 THE ESCAPE

Six awaiting trials prisoners were freed on Monday by three suspects who ambushed the police while transporting the suspects to court. The suspects were freed by a group of armed men travelling in two cars while being transported to the Senwabarwana Magistrate Court from Makhado Correctional facility. The group attacked the police before taking the awaiting trial suspects and drove off in  two cars. The escapees, Forward Shumba (26), Shingirai Nyandome (32), Brilliant Sibanda (26), Erick Sithole (35), Moses Zambara (32) and 35-year-old Alex Nkomo, are facing charges of aggravated robbery, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful  possession of firearms and ammunition. The last one was arrested for theft of cables," Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlefela Mojapelo said.

CHARGES 

 The two are facing various charges ranging from aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit crime, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property and discharging of a firearm. Upon the suspects arrests the two motor vehicles that they used in the commission of crime, a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota bakkie, were also found  and confiscated. The suspects appeared at the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court and were remanded in custody until 22 March 2023 for further investigations.

 SEARCH CONTINUES 

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for effecting these arrests and urged community members with information about the escapees and the remaining suspects to assist the police. However, he escapees and the rest of the suspects are still at large. The police issued a warning for the public to keep their distance and immediately notify them if they see the following escapees:The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for effecting these arrests and urged community members with information about the escapees and the remaining suspects to assist the Police. Anyone with information should contact Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha on 082 565 8171, the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or may send the message via MySAPSApp.