RUSTENBURG HERALD - SWARTRUGGENS - The South African Police Service in Swartruggens launched a manhunt after the escape of three detainees, who were awaiting trial.
The tree perpetrators escaped from the Swartruggens police holding cells on Sunday, 8 December.Â
It is alleged that four 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 (Swartruggens plaza). He appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge of escaping form lawful custody on Wednesday, 11 December.
The following escapees are still on the run: Mpho Vincent Madito (29), detained for four rape cases reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad, Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi (25), detained for theft in Swartruggens and Johannes Mfaladi (28), detained for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), also in Swartruggens.
The police are still working hard to trace and re-arrest the remaining three escapees. Investigation into the matter including circumstances that led to the escape, continues. The police request anyone with information that can assist in the re-arrest of the remaining three escapees, to contact the nearest police station or the Investigating Officer, Captain Peterson Monageng on 082 569 5868.
