Police in Northam, under Waterberg District in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for four awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from police cells on Monday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the inmates escaped at around 04.30 in the morning.
“The four suspects who are foreign nations, were all previously arrested for same case of Criminal Matters Amendment Act: tampering with the essential infrastructure during July 2024,” said Ledwaba.
Police have listed the names of the escapees as follows:
▪ Knowledge Dhambuza, 36
▪ Limited Dhambuza, 25
▪ Eric Zion Nechikhovele, 39
▪ Joao Chauke, 27
“Police were allegedly around the station premises when they heard some suspicious loud bang coming from the direction of the cells. They immediately went to the cells and found several doors forced open,” said Ledwaba.
A team of detectives has been appointed to trace the wanted suspects and also to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape.
Members of the community are urged not to attempt to apprehend the suspects as that might threaten the community members’ safety.
“Police appeal to anyone with information about these escapees to contact the investigating officer, Captain Du Plessis on 082 565 7611 or Warrant Officer Temane on 082 934 6275, Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police or use My SAPS App,” said Ledwaba.
“Police investigations are underway.”
Last year, IOL reported that Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered law enforcement agencies in the province to intensify a manhunt for an awaiting trial prisoner, who was on the run after escaping from lawful custody.
At the time, Ledwaba said the escapee was identified as Zweli Sibanda.
Sibanda had been detained on a charge of housebreaking.
“The accused allegedly escaped while about to attend court at Nkowankowa Magistrate's Court.”