One of the six suspects who escaped from police custody in Lydenburg yesterday has been rearrested thanks to information received from the community.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said a community-member spotted Clayton Flank (37) walking around a sports ground in Kellisville, Lydenburg today (30 November) at about 04:00 and alerted police.

Mpumalanga News reports that police yesterday discovered that six trail-awaiting suspects escaped from their holding cells at the Lydenburg police station upon expecting a water-leak at 02:30. It was discovered that a washbasin was removed and used to break through the cell wall whereafter the suspects escaped.  

Flank, who was originally in custody on a charge of malicious damage to property, will now also be charged with escaping from lawful custody.

He is expected to appear in the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (1 December).

Five other inmates, Fransisco Vasco Maganja (47), Fana Fenyane (38), Sergio Laurenco Mandoza (34), France Malatjie (31) and Isaac Malope (25), are still at large.

Police have warned that the suspects face serious charges, including rape, murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.

“We are appealing to the community to assist in locating the remaining suspects. Anyone with information can contact the Detective Branch Commander of Lydenburg SAPS on 076 060 0273, call 08600 10111, or use the My SAPS app,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.

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