POLOKWANE: 05 May 2023 - The police in Hlogotlou launched a massive manhunt for three male suspects aged between 20 and 36 following their escape from lawful custody at SAPS Hlogotlou Police cells on Thursday, 4 May 2023 at about 18:00. It is alleged that police were exchanging shifts when they discovered that the mash wire that protected the roof of the cells was cut out and four inmates were missing.
They promptly launched a massive manhunt for the suspects. One suspect, Sello Mankge aged 29 was rearrested in the station premises while trying to escape. The suspect allegedly committed robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping that took place in Hlogotlou policing area in January 2022. The other three suspects are still at large. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were arrested for a series of crimes that were committed at different locations in the Sekhukhune District between 2019 and 2023 period.
Thabang Mokoena (20) was arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances that was committed in November 2022 at Hlogotlou policing precinct. 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.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has activated all the appropriate resources for the immediate rearrest of the suspects and he is encouraging the members of the community to assist with their apprehension. Anyone with information that can assist is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Rocco Given Morgan on 0721141732 or crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.