Two of 12 inmates who escaped from police custody caught trying to cross border into Mozambique

Two of the 12 inmates who escaped from custody at Komatipoort police station, Mpumalanga, on Saturday evening have been rearrested at the Lebombo border while trying to cross into Mozambique.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Col Donald Mdhluli said police and other law enforcement agencies are on high alert after the jail break. 

“Ten remaining suspects are still at large and being sought by the police,” Mdhuli said.

He said the circumstances surrounding the escape were still under investigation.  Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela visited the station after the incident and appointed a team led by a senior officer to uncover how the escape happened.

A preliminary investigation has revealed 12 inmates reportedly escaped from the police holding cells after a struggle with officers, resulting in one officer being injured. Two service pistols, as well as ammunition, were also stolen by the suspects during the scuffle, Mdhuli said.

Soon after their escape, members of the security cluster were activated, leading to the two suspects, Reginaldo Fulaho and Narsisco Julius Mavalela, being cornered and rearrested. One was nabbed on Saturday night, just hours after the escape while the other was arrested by SA National Defence Force members on Sunday.

Mdhuli said an internal investigation regarding possible negligence and aiding has also commenced. Manamela has vowed police will not hesitate to take drastic steps against any member found to be at fault.

Those still at large have been named as: Joseph Ubisi, 35, Josiah Ndlovu, 30, Ruben Macuacua, 30, Amos Cossa, 25, Ardemeto Madevu, 18, Alsido Manique, 24, Francisco Setoho, 38, France Baloi, 29, and Smanga Khoza, 50. 

Mdhuli said the suspects were previously arrested for various offences including rape, theft, robbery and kidnapping, robbery with firearms, possession of suspected stolen property, as well as possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles.

“An investigation regarding their escape is under way and the suspects will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody,” he said. 

Mdhuli thanked community members who provided information that led to the rearrest of the two suspects. He appealed to the public not to approach the remaining suspects as they are considered to be dangerous but to rather share information that may lead to their rearrest with police by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

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