Seven prisoners escape from Tzaneen jail
A manhunt has been launched after seven awaiting trial prisoners escaped from the Tzaneen Police Station in Limpopo on Monday morning.
The prisoners escaped during a routine check.
“It is alleged that the seven allegedly overpowered the police officer in the early hours around 04:00,” said Tzaneen police spokesman Moatshe Ngoepe.
Ngoepe said an investigation was now under way on how the prisoners escaped. The probe also seeks to establish how many police officers were at the holding cells when the prisoners broke out.
They escapees were identified as: Victor Makgopa, Mahlatsi Sekgota, Tshepo Charles Sebake, Goodwill Maranza Sekhwela, Piet Solly Sekgobela, Huston Mabasa and Lucky Mashatola.
They were arrested for various violent crimes including armed robbery, housebreaking and rape. Police warned that the escapees were “extremely dangerous”.
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Police said if anyone spots them they are urged to contact the nearest Police Station or Brigadier Thomas Shingange at 082 565 8155.
Meanwhile in Modimolle, police rearrested two of the 13 awaiting prisoners who escaped from custody.
“Two of the escapees were rearrested on Thursday. Phillip Phasha was arrested in Vaal water, while Tshepo Lehong was found in Pienaarsrivier. The search for the rest of the prisoners continues,” spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said on Monday. - ANA