Limpopo police launch manhunt after Nebo court escape

LIMPOPO – Police in Nebo have re-arrested one awaiting-trial detainee after four detainees escaped from lawful custody at the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 19.

Detainees escaped during transfer to police vehicle

Police said the incident occurred at about 15:55 while a court orderly from Masemola SAPS was escorting eight awaiting-trial detainees from court proceedings to a marked police vehicle for transport back to the police station.

According to police, four detainees allegedly escaped during the process and fled.

Search operation launched in surrounding areas

Police, security personnel, detectives, tracking teams and Visible Policing members launched a search operation in the surrounding areas.

Police say information later led officers to Mabintane Village, where one of the escapees, 19-year-old Sithole Courage Chingwedere, was re-arrested on the same day.

Three detainees still on the run

The remaining detainees who are still being sought are:

• Mahlekete Honest (33)
• Sello Madhodha (18)
• Noel Shabangu (40)

Police said the Madhodha and Chingwedere had previously been arrested in connection with house robbery cases in the Masemola policing area, while Shabangu had been held for an alleged contravention of immigration laws.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the Nebo Detective Commander, Lt Col Goodhope Makofane, on 072 111 2102, the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app.

Police investigations continue.