POLOKWANE – The South African Police Services (SAPS) launched an internal investigation after four prisoners escaped from police custody at the Seshego holding cells between 21:00 and 22:00 last Thursday night.
It is alleged that the four prisoners used a hacksaw to saw through the cell’s ceiling bars and escaped.
Col Ronel Otto, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the four suspects were in the cell with other prisoners at the time of their escape. “When the police made their rounds at the cells, they found four prisoners missing and immediately started a manhunt for the four men, but they were not found,” Otto said.
According to Otto no one was injured in the process. She said the circumstances around the escape were being investigated.
The escapees were awaiting trial prisoners and are considered dangerous. They are suspected of various crimes which range from armed robbery, murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The police advise the public not to confront the suspects as they could be armed and dangerous. Anybody with information on this matter was advised to call the police immediately.
The suspects are:
• Frans Moloto, awaiting trial for armed robbery and murder.
• Mamere Pheeha, awaiting trail for murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
• Kgaugelo Nkoana, awaiting trial for rape.
• Sihle Skapu, awaiting trial for murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and business robbery.
Otto said once the suspects were arrested they would be charged with escape from lawful custody.
Anyone with information that can help the police find these men can contact Capt Alex Mailula at 072 853 4770 or Capt Mabena Lephalala at 082 729 1119.
