Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects who are awaiting trial after they escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells in the North West.
The suspects, who were initially four, escaped on Sunday, and police managed to rearrest one of them.
Police said the suspects escaped through the roof of their detention cell.
"Police managed to trace and arrested one of the escapees, aged 23, whilst hiking next to the N4 road, near Swartruggens plaza," police said in a statement.
Police are still looking for Mpho Vincent Madito, 29, who is facing four rape charges that were reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad.
The second suspect, Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi, 25, was detained for theft at Swartruggens.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Johannes Mfaladi was arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm in Swartruggens.
The fourth suspect is expected to appear in the Swartruggens Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where he's facing a charge of escaping form lawful custody.
"Meanwhile, 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," said police.
Police request anyone with information that can assist in the re-arrest of the remaining three escapees, to contact the nearest police station or investigating officer, Captain Peterson Monageng on 082 569 5868.
In October, KwaZulu-Natala police launched a manhunt after two convicts escaped from the Nkandla and Vryheid Correctional facilities.
"The circumstances under which the two inmates escaped are being investigated as they were both out with the spans or work teams," said Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said 34-year-old Siyabonga Sikhakhane has been incarcerated at the Nkandla Correctional Centre since March 23 after he was convicted of housebreaking and theft.
"The second escapee is 29-year-old Siphamandla Gift Simelane, serving two years for similar offences of housebreaking and theft. He was admitted at Vryheid Correctional Centre on October 3," Nxumalo said.
He added that the public is urged to contact the nearest police station if they come into contact with the men.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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