By Karabo Rammutla
Twelve inmates escaped from the Komatipoort police station in Mpumalanga after they overpowered two police officers on duty, injuring one.
The group went on to steal two firearms before escaping on Saturday night.
Two escapees, aged 27 and 34, have since been re-arrested after being caught at the Lebombo border post as they attempted to cross into Mozambique illegally.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said soon after their escape, a manhunt was launched and the two, Reginaldo Fulaho and Narsisco Julius Mavalela, were cornered by the SAPS and SANDF members and sent back to police holding cells.
Mdhluli said exact circumstances surrounding the escape were still under investigation.
He said police are still in pursuit of the remaining 10.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, visited the station immediately after the incident and appointed a team led by a senior officer to get to the bottom of what might have transpired,” he said.
The remaining suspects are Joseph Ubisi, 35, Josiah Ndlovu, 30, Ruben Macuacua, 30, Amos Cossa, 25, Ardemeto Madevu,18, Alsido Manique ,24, Francisco Setoho, 38, France Baloi, 29, and 50-year-old Smanga Khoza.
“The suspects were previously arrested for various offences including rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, robbery with firearms and possession of suspected stolen properties, as well as possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. The suspects will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody,” Mdhluli said.
Last month seven prisoners escaped from a prison in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. The prisoners used a hacksaw to cut through the bars of a prison cell. Some of those who escaped from the Makhanda prison are still at large.
Pictured above: Mugshot of 24-year-old Alsido Manique
Source: supplied
