6 Prisoners Escape With Help of Heavily Armed Men in Limpopo, Police Launch Manhunt

• Six awaiting trial prisoners escaped while being transported by police members in Makhado, Limpopo
• They were broken out by a group of heavily armed gunmen who shot at police officers before fleeing the scene
• Social media users have expressed outrage over the incident, with many saying lawlessness is getting worse

LIMPOPO - A manhunt has been launched after six awaiting trial prisoners escaped while being transported by police members in Makhado on Monday, 13 March.

In a brazen break-out, a group of heavily armed gunmen attacked and shot at police before fleeing the scene with the prisoners. The escapees are Forward Shumba, Shingirai Nyandome, Brilliant Sibanda, Erick Sithole, Moses Zambara and Alex Nkomo.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said the awaiting trial prisoners are Zimbabwean nationals, according to SowetanLIVE.

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Five of them were arrested for robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, while Nkomo was nabbed for cable theft. The escapees and gunmen made off in a silver Mercedes-Benz and a white Toyota bakkie.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe has ordered the mobilisation of police resources, including the air wing, to track down the escapees and the assailants. The public is urged not to approach the men under any circumstances.

Anyone with information can contact Col Nyelisani Mabatha on 082 565 8171, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send a message via MySAPSApp, the Benoni City Times reported.

Mzansi disturbed by escaped prisoners

Thapelo Mkhonto said:

“Heavily armed Zimbabweans freed their fellow awaiting trial Zimbabweans from lawful detention today in Makhado.”

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Knowledge Lwazi Moyo commented:

“Terrorism at its best.”

Leo Sithembiso Sibaya posted:

“The South African series continues, we are now on Season 9, Episode 3.”

Ndlovu Derik wrote:

“Pure inside job, the police were part of the deal.”

Bongani Radebe added:

“I won't be surprised when they fetch prisoners from jail itself. Foreigners are fearless and turned South Africa into a movie.”

Manhunt for 6 escaped prisoners launched by SAPS in Gauteng, police van ambushed by silver Audi

Briefly News also reported that the South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for six male prisoners who made an escape on Friday morning, 14 January.

The men were in a police van on their way to the Vosloorus Magistrate's Court for a court appearance. A police van they were travelling was cornered by three men driving a silver Audi.

The car blocked off the police at the corner of Barry Marais Road and Rondebult Road in Brakpan, Johannesburg, according to News24.

Source: Briefly News