North West Cops Hunt 3 Suspects After Swartruggens Police Station Escape
- Police have launched a hunt for three men who escaped from lawful custody at the Swartruggens police station
- Cops had arrested Mpho Madito, Johannes Mfaladi, and Thapelo Molebatsi for serious crimes, including rape
- Anyone with information about their whereabouts can contact the nearest police station or the investigator
Source: Original
SWARTRUGGENS — Police are searching for three suspects who escaped from the holding cells at the Swartruggens police station in the North West.
The men were due to appear in court following their arrests when they escaped from lawful custody on Sunday, 8 December 2024.
Cops hunt Swartruggens escapees
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said four detainees initially escaped after forcing their exit through the roof of the cell.
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"Police traced and arrested one escapee as he [was trying to] hike [along] the N4 at Swartruggens Plaza," said Myburgh.
"He is expected to appear in the Swartruggens Magistrate's Court on 11 December on a charge of escaping from lawful custody."
The escapees sought by police are:
- Mpho Vincent Madito, 29;
- Johannes Mfaladi, 28; and
- Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi, 25.
Madito was arrested and charged with four alleged rapes, reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad, while Mfaladi was arrested for assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Swartruggens.
Meanwhile, police detained Molebatsi for theft, which also occurred in Swartruggens.
"Police are working hard to trace and re-arrest the three. Additionally, we're investigating the circumstances that led to the escapes," said Myburgh.
"Police request anyone with information which can assist in their re-arrests to contact the nearest police station or the investigating officer, Detective Captain Peterson Monageng, on 082 569 5868."
Gauteng suspects escape prison
In related news, Briefly News reported that two prisoners previously bizarrely escaped from a Gauteng jail. Police had arrested the pair a week earlier, along with 11 other suspects who were found to have stolen property.
According to reports, the suspects later allegedly made strange noises before transforming into cats and mounting their escapes. However, one of them was quickly nabbed and placed back into custody.
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Source: Briefly News
