10 prisoners escape, five still on the run, Nelspruit

South African Police Service

10 prisoners escape, five still on the run, Nelspruit
10 prisoners escape, five still on the run, Nelspruit. Photo: SAPS

Members of the South African Police Service at Nelspruit in conjunction with the ones from Skukuza, are looking for five suspects who escaped from lawful custody on 17 January 2019. The five, aged between 33 and 50, were part of fifteen awaiting trial prisoners who were being transported from Skukuza to the Nelspruit Correctional Services facility and ten escaped.

The escapees allegedly freed themselves at an intersection just before the Nelspruit Correctional Services and the manner in which they escaped is yet to be investigated.

After the incident, the SAPS management immediately implemented the 72 Hour Activation Plan, hence five of the ten escapees were brought to book shortly and the other five, Samson Mkansi, 34, Reckson Mashabane, 50, Isaac Ngobeni, 34, Given Zitha, 33, as well as Simon Mhlanga, 34, are still being sought.

The suspects are all facing charges of illegal hunting, trespassing, unlawful possession of firearm and will now each face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact Colonel Ernest Maoka on 082 318 9843 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service