PHALABORWA – Police have re-arrested Tumelo Raledi (34), who escaped from custody while under police guard at Maphuta Malatji Hospital.

The suspect fled the hospital on Sunday, April 26, at about 21:30 and was rearrested in Mpumalanga on Thursday, April 30.

Following a manhunt, police received information about Raledi’s whereabouts.

“On Thursday at about 03:30, with the assistance of concerned citizens, police were alerted to the location of the suspect at a residence in the Bushbuckridge policing area. Police rushed to the area and successfully apprehended him,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

Raledi faces serious charges, including rape, attempted murder, and two counts of murder, allegedly committed between 2023 and 2025 in Namakgale.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the strong cooperation between community members in Mpumalanga and the police and encouraged the public to continue reporting criminal activities.

The suspect appeared before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 4, on a charge of escaping from lawful custody.