A juvenile suspect (17), who reportedly escaped from lawful custody on Tuesday, while in the custody of probation officers, was handed over to the authorities at Bushbuckridge SAPS in Mpumalanga yesterday, by his family members.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says the minor was initially arrested in connection with an attempted murder and robbery that took place in Dwarsloop near Bushbuckridge over the weekend.

“He was arrested and on Tuesday and was supposed go to court. Because he is underage probation officers had to be brought in and as they were bringing him to Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court, he escaped.

However, his family handed him back to police yesterday.

Mohlala says a charge of escaping from lawful custody will be added to the boy’s charges of robbery and attempted murder. He is expected to appear in court today.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, commended the family members who took it upon themselves to bring the suspect back to the authorities.

“I hope others will learn from this action taken by the suspect’s family. If you are aware of your own family suspected of a crime, please report to the authorities before it is too late. Who knows, the person you are failing to report might commit worse crimes, or he might even hurt others close to him or her” warns the general.