POLOKWANE – The circumstances surrounding the escape of an awaiting trial prisoner on May 20 will form part of an investigation by senior detectives of the Lebowakgomo police.

The 37-year-old Patrick Mahlaela is said to have attended the Thabamopoo Court on Monday on four counts of rape and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances when the escape took place.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwbaa said Mahlaela the four counts of rape were committed at Seruleng village in 2015 and Byldrift in 2016 in which three young women were gang raped in the bushes by four unknown men, one of whom was the suspect.

“An additional charge of escaping from lawful custody will be added to the suspect. No one was injured during the escape,” he said.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has since appointed a team to trace the suspect and investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape.

The police are appealing to anyone who might have information about the suspect’s whereabouts or information that can help in the investigation to call the crime stop number at 08600 10111, the nearest police station or via the MySAPSApp.

“Members of the community are urged not to attempt to apprehend the suspect, as he is deemed dangerous,” Ledwaba said.