The police are on high alert after 12 arrestees escaped from lawful custody at the Komatipoort Police Station in Mpumalanga on Saturday evening.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, two escapees (aged 27 and 34) have since been rearrested at the Lebombo Border after reportedly attempting to cross over to Mozambique. The 10 remaining suspects are still at large and are being sought by the police.

The remaining suspects are Joseph Ubisi (35), Josiah Ndlovu (30), Ruben Macuacua (30), Amos Cossa (25), Ardemeto Madevu (18), Alsido Manique (24), Sergio Tembe (36), Francisco Setoho (38), France Baloi (29) and Smanga Khoza (50).

“According to the report, the circumstances surrounding the escape is still under investigation. The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng 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.

“However, thus far, the preliminary investigation indicates that 12 inmates reportedly escaped from the police’s holding cells after battling with members of the police, resulting in one member sustaining some injuries.”

Mdhluli said two service pistols were reportedly stolen by the suspects during the scuffle.

The suspects at large were arrested for various offences including rape, theft, robbery and kidnapping, robbery with firearms, possession of suspected stolen properties, as well as possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. An investigation regarding the escape is under way and the suspects will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, once captured

The public are asked to not approach these remaining suspects as they are considered to be dangerous. Instead, police requested the public to share information that may lead to their rearrest, by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, send information via the My SAPS app. Information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

An internal investigation regarding possible negligence and aiding has also commenced, and the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has vowed that the police would not hesitate to take drastic steps against any member who might be found to be at fault.