Police in the North West province have launched an intense manhunt for three suspects who escaped from the holding cells at Swartruggens police station. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, saw the suspects break out through the roof of their detention cell. While authorities managed to rearrest one of the escapees, the remaining three individuals are still on the run, and police are working diligently to track them down. The suspects were awaiting trial for various charges, including rape, theft, and assault, making their escape all the more concerning for law enforcement.
One of the suspects, aged 23, was captured by police while hiking along the N4 road near the Swartruggens plaza. He was promptly arrested and returned to custody. However, the whereabouts of the other three suspects remain unknown. Mpho Vincent Madito, 29, who is facing four charges of rape, is among those still at large. His alleged crimes were reported in the surrounding areas of Swartruggens and Makgobistad, adding to the urgency of his recapture. The second escapee, 25-year-old Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi, had been detained for theft in Swartruggens, while Johannes Mfaladi, 28, was arrested for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The escape of the four men has raised serious concerns about security at the Swartruggens holding cells. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the breakout, which included the use of a roof to flee custody. Authorities are working to determine how the suspects were able to escape and whether any negligence or lapses in security protocols contributed to the incident. The police have assured the public that they are taking all necessary measures to prevent further breaches and to ensure that the remaining escapees are apprehended.
As the manhunt continues, police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in the re-arrest of the fugitives. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact their nearest police station or to reach out directly to Captain Peterson Monageng, the investigating officer, at 082 569 5868. The escape has become a priority for local law enforcement, with additional resources being allocated to track down the three remaining suspects. The police remain committed to ensuring that those who have fled justice are brought back into custody.
This latest incident in Swartruggens follows a similar case earlier in October, when two convicts escaped from correctional facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. Siyabonga Sikhakhane, 34, and Siphamandla Gift Simelane, 29, both escaped while on work duty outside the correctional centers where they were incarcerated. Sikhakhane had been serving a sentence for housebreaking and theft, while Simelane was serving time for similar offenses. The Department of Correctional Services has launched its own investigation into how the two men managed to escape, and like the North West police, they have urged the public to contact authorities if they come into contact with either of the escapees.
The incidents in both KwaZulu-Natal and the North West highlight ongoing concerns about security within South Africa’s correctional and detention facilities. While authorities continue to respond to these escape incidents, the public’s role in assisting with the capture of fugitives has become crucial. As the manhunt for the remaining Swartruggens escapees intensifies, police remain hopeful that the community will provide valuable tips that will lead to their swift recapture, ensuring that justice is served.
