POTCHEFSTROOM: 9 December 2024 - Swartruggens police launched a manhunt after the escape of three awaiting trial detainees, who escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells on Sunday, 8 December 2024.
“It is alleged that four detainees escaped after forcing their exit through the roof of their detention cell,” says Colonel Adéle Myburgh, SAPS North West spokesperson. “The police managed to trace and arrest one of the escapees, aged 23, whilst hiking next to the N4 road, near Swartruggens Plaza.”
He appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge of escaping form lawful custody on Wednesday, 11 December.
The other three escapees are still on the run:
*Mpho Vincent Madito (29), detained for four rape cases reported in Swartruggens and Makgobistad.
*Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi (25), detained for theft at Swartruggens.
*Johannes Mfaladi (28), detained for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm in Swartruggens.
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.
(Breaking news - 10 December, at about 08:30, police followed-up on information received and arrested Mpho Vincent Madito (29), who borded a bus at Tlokweng Village that was on its way to Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD). Members of Swartruggens Visible Policing supported by Phokeng Flying Squad managed to trace the bus at Boshoek and a search of the bus led to the arrest of Madito. He appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on a charge for escape from lawful custody and for being in possession of suspected stolen property on Thursday, 12 December 2024.)
The following escapees are still on the run:
Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi (25), detained for theft at Swartruggens. Johannes Mfaladi (28), detained for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Swartruggens.
