POLICE in Limpopo were relieved yesterday after the re-arrest of the last escapee from Malipsdrift police station.

Raymond Deka, 36, was among the six awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from custody on February 5.

He was re-arrested on Saturday night at Mohlahlaneng village outside Burgersfort, where he was in hiding at a relative's home.

The six awaiting-trial prisoners escaped after overpowering a police officer. One of them also robbed the officer of his service pistol.

But the firearm has since been recovered during the re-arrest of Kenneth Mohlatlole at a tavern in Mashite village in GaMphahlele two weeks ago.

Mohlatlole, 36, had initially been arrested for attempted murder and robbery.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mohale Ramatseba said Deka, who was initially arrested for stock theft, would appear in the Thabamoopo Magistrate's Court today to face a charge of escaping from custody.

He identified the other re-arrested prisoners as Mpho Matsimela, 35, of Mafefe near Malipsdrift, who was awaiting trial for stock theft, Pontsho Maisela, 29, who was awaiting trial for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and Patrick Makgolane, 28, from Mphaaneng village in GaMathabatha who was awaiting trial for attempted murder and robbery.

"We believe members of the community will now heave a sigh of relief after we managed to re-arrest all of the escapees," said Ramatseba.

He also thanked residents for their "invaluable" information which they had provided to the police to ensure that the escapees were re-arrested.