Police are still looking for four suspects who escaped from the Hazyview Police Station’s holding cells nearly two weeks ago.
Two of the escapees were rearrested just two days after their escape and have already appeared in court. Gerald Morodi (25) who is being charged with murder and Peace Khoza (23), who is being charged with rape and assault, have not been granted bail and will be kept in police custody until their next court appearance on September 25.
According to Brig Selvy Mohlala, spokesman for Mpumalanga SAPS, the six men were awaiting trial and were kept in the holding cells.
On the afternoon of July 6, they overpowered two police officers who were serving them lunch through a security door.
The suspects took the cell keys and let themselves out.
The officers were then handcuffed and tied up with a rope made from cell blankets. The men robbed them of their cellphones, before stealing a firearm from the safe and fleeing.
After an extensive search of the farms around Umvubu, De Rust and Hazyview, it was presumed they had scattered into town to evade capture.
The police helicopter and K9 unit were also summoned to help in the search.
Police are still looking for:
• Monde Mokoena (36): Arrested for attempted car-jacking, multiple counts of rape and house robbery
• Adolf Nkuna (36): Apprehended for four counts of rape and unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm
• Wonder Sibuyi (23): Taken into custody for two counts of rape, two house robberies and murder
• Bongani Nkosi (22): Arrested for rape.
Mohlala said they were hoping to rearrest the fugitives very soon. Regarding extra measures to ensure that such an incident did not repeat itself, he said nothing new would be implemented.
“There are already policies in place, our members just need to make sure they are vigilant and follow it.”
Anyone with information that could lead to the suspects’ capture is requested to contact Capt Dudu Shabangu on 072-937-3542 or WO Dumisani Mnisi on 082-449-0231.
