A 35-year-old fugitive was rearrested after escaping from lawful custody on 16 December 2023 at Carolina Hospital whilst under police guard.
Police received information about the fugitive’s whereabouts. According to a report, the man was initially arrested on 15 December 2023 after being allegedly involved in house breaking with intent to commit offence unknown to the state. Subsequent to that incident, he was reportedly assaulted then rescued from the mob justice by the police who arrested him and charged him for the alleged crime. Due to the sustained injuries, he was taken to a nearby hospital in Carolina under police guard. It was during this time when he somehow escaped, an incident which is still being criminally and departmentally investigated by the police.
Police were in sought of this man and thanks to members of the public who blew a whistle on his whereabouts. The police then followed the information and cornered him at Silobela in Carolina on Sunday, 07 January 2024.
He appeared in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 09 January 2024 facing charges of house breaking as well as for reportedly escaping from lawful custody. During his court appearance, the matter was postponed to 17 January 2024
At this stage Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against him as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the community for providing information which resulted in the arrest of the suspect by the Police.
