RUSTENBURG HERALD - SWARTRUGGENS - As reported in early December 2024, the South African Police Service in Swartruggens launched a manhunt after the escape of three detainees, who were awaiting trial.
The perpetrators escaped from the Swartruggens police holding cells on Sunday, 8 December.
Following a request by the police for public assistance the escapees were recaptured during the course of the festive season.
According to police reports, the detainees escaped after forcing their exit through the roof of their detention cell. The police managed to trace and arrest one of the escapees, aged 23, whilst he was hiking next to the N4 and he appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge of escaping form lawful custody on Wednesday, 11 December.
On Wednesday, 11 December, at about 18:00, information received was operationalised by Swartruggens Detectives, assisted by a local farmer neighbourhood watch, which lead to the re-arrest of another escapee, Johannes Mfaladi (28), who was hiding on a farm in the Swartruggens area. He was originally detained for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). Mfaladi appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge of escape from lawful custody on Friday, 13 December. Police received information about the whereabouts of Thapelo William Molebatsi (25), who was the only outstanding escapee on Monday, 30 December. He had been detained for theft during the escape. On Tuesday, 31 December, information was operationalised by Swartruggens Detectives and Visible Policing members that led to Molebatsi’s recapture. He had been hiding at abandoned farmhouses in the Swartruggens area. Molebatsi appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge of escape from lawful custody on Thursday, 2 January 2025.
The Acting North West Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded all members involved as well as all other role players for their diligence in ensuring that all four suspects were re-arrested and brought to book.
