Six Limpopo prisoners escape with heavily armed suspects
Makhado police were shot at by a group of heavily armed suspects while transporting six awaiting trial prisoners on the Vivo Road this morning.
LIMPOPO – The Makhado police have launched a massive manhunt for six awaiting trial prisoners who escaped with a group of heavily armed suspects this morning (March 13).
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the police were transporting the prisoners on the Vivo Road next to the first Schoemansdal turn-off outside Louis Trichardt when they were shot at by the group of armed men.
The men then freed the prisoners and they all sped off in a grey sedan and white bakkie.
The following prisoners escaped during the attack:
Forward Shumba (26) Photo: Limpopo police
“All escapees are Zimbabwean nationals. The first five were arrested for aggravated robbery, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition while the last suspect was arrested for cable theft,” his statement read.
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered the mobilization of the necessary police resources, including the airwing, to hunt down the escapees and the suspects.
“People are advised not to approach the suspects under any circumstances as they are considered dangerous and should, instead, call the police. Anyone with information may contact Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha on 082 565 8171, the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or message via the MySAPSApp.”