The alertness of our community members and their willingness to work with the police led to the re-arrest of three awaiting trial prisoners out of the five that escaped from Witpoort police holding cells on Monday evening, 28 October 2019.
Two prisoners, Paul Madira aged 19 initially arrested for rape and Lesiba Frans Machaba (27), arrested for burglary business were recaptured by the police on the morning of 30 October 2019, during an operation that was conducted in Witpoort policing area soon after receiving valuable information from community members.
The third escapee, Jappie Shiko (29) was cornered by members of the community at Phahladira Mall in Villa Nora policing area outside Lephalale and was handed over to the police. He was initially arrested for murder.
All escapees will face additional charges of escaping from lawful custody.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has thanked community members for heeding our call for assistance and provided valuable information that led to the re-arrest of these dangerous criminals.
The search for the remaining two escapees, Bongani Sibanda aged 31 and Sipho Mpofu aged 39 is still continuing and anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Warrant Officer Ratlou Morudu at 0824688931 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111
South Africa Today – South Africa News
