The three prisoners that escaped from police holding cells in Thohoyandou: Rulph Chemai (19), Nemalale Tshilidzi (34) and Caiphus Kwinda (45). Photos: Limpopo police
LIMPOPO – The police in Tshamutumbu outside Thohoyandou have launched a massive manhunt for three prisoners who escaped from police holding cells in the early hours of Wednesday (November 2) morning.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the prisoners, who are between the ages of 19 and 45, escaped through a hole inside the cells.
Two awaiting trial prisoners, Rulph Chemai (19) from Zimbabwe and Nemalale Tshilidzi (34) from the Vhembe District face charges of house robbery while the third prisoner, Caiphus Kwinda (45) was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday (November 1) for rape.
“Additional charges of escaping from lawful custody have been opened and the circumstances around their escape is still being investigated. Police are appealing for the public’s assistance in locating the escapees,” he said.
Mojapelo said the community at large are warned not to confront the prisoners as they are considered to be dangerous but to rather contact the nearest police station or urgently contact the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Colbert Ntshavheni on 082 4141621; the crime stop number 08600 10111or the MySAPSApp.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
