Inside help suspected as prisoner escapes Phalaborwa hospital
A hospital employee raises concerns about possible inside assistance after a prisoner escaped from Maphuta Malatji Hospital by removing his handcuffs.
PHALABORWA – Police have launched an intensive manhunt following the escape of a 34-year-old male suspect from lawful custody at Maphuta Malatji Hospital on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
According to a police report, the suspect, Tumelo Raledi, escaped at approximately 21:30 while admitted to the hospital’s male medical ward. At the time of the incident, Raledi was under police guard.
Handcuffs removed with no keys or tools
Speaking to the Herald, a hospital employee who requested anonymity, expressed shock at the incident.
The employee claimed the suspect managed to remove his handcuffs while the police officer on duty briefly left the ward.
According to the employee, the prisoner came from Matatshe Correctional Centre in the Vhembe area, on Friday, April 24, to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court. He then claimed not to be feeling well and was later admitted to the hospital, before escaping on Sunday night.
“The suspect uncuffed himself when the police officer stepped out of the ward. When the officer returned, the suspect was nowhere to be found. We later found the handcuffs, with no keys or any sharp object that could explain how they were removed,” the employee said.
5 vehicles fail to find suspect
The health worker added that approximately five police vehicles were immediately dispatched to search the hospital premises, but the suspect could not be located.
This, they said, raised concerns that the escape may have involved inside assistance or external interference.
Public urged to help with information
Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the escape and assured the public that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the suspect’s swift re-arrest.
Anyone with information that may assist police in re-arresting Raledi is urged to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Moloko Monyepao, at 082 469 1240, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or report via the MySAPS App.
At this time, no further updates on the manhunt had been received. Police investigations are ongoing.
