LIMPOPO -According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, Mathaba was rearrested last night (Wednesday) while in hiding in the Phalaborwa area.
Two of the prison escapees, Papiki Mashapo (23) and Thomas Maowasha (23), were killed in two separate incidents in the Tzaneen Policing area over the weekend.
“The police followed up on information received on two of the men hiding in the Tzaneen (Talana) hostel, located in the industrial area of the town on Sunday evening.”When police arrived at the scene, the suspects shot at the officers and the police retaliated. Mashapo was shot and died on the scene.”
The body of another escapee, Thomas Maowasha (23), was later found in another area with multiple wounds on his body. It looked as though he was assaulted, Ngoepe stated.
Mathaba, who is from the Phalaborwa area, will appear before the Phalaborwa Magistrate Court tomorrow (Friday) on a charge of escaping from lawful custody.
14 November
LIMPOPO – Two of the three awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from Phalaborwa Police holding cells last Thursday were killed in two separate incidents in the Tzaneen Policing area at the weekend.
According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the police followed up on information received on two of the escapees hiding in the Tzaneen (Talana) hostel, located in the industrial area of the town last night (Sunday).”When police arrived at the scene, the suspects started shooting at the officers. The Police retaliated and one of the escapees Papiki Mashapo (23) was shot and died on the scene.
The body of another escapee, Thomas Maowasha (23), was later found in another area with multiple wounds on his body. It looked as though he was assaulted, Ngoepe stated.
Benny Mathaba (24) from the Phalaborwa area is still on the run, Ngoepe added.
Police investigations continue.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mathaba may contact Brigadier James Espach at 082 576 0743, their nearest police station or the 24-hour crime stop number 08600 10111.
11 November
LIMPOPO – The Police in Phalaborwa have launched a massive manhunt for three awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from the police holding cells at around 17:00 yesterday (Thursday).
According to Police Spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe the escapees allegedly attacked officials who were serving them food and managed to disarmed one before escaping.
“No shot was fired,” Ngoepe added.
The escapees are identified as: Papiki Mashapo (23), Thomas Maowasha (23) and Benny Mathaba (24).
All suspects are from the Phalaborwa area and face charges of rape. Crimes which were committed in the Namakgale Policing Area outside Phalaborwa.
Police investigations are still continuing.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this escapees ,may contact Brigadier James Espach on 082 576 0743, their nearest Police Station or the 24-hour crime stop number 0860010111.
