[UPDATE] Three Witpoort escapees re-arrested following community tip-off
Paul Madira (19) and Lesiba Frans Machaba (27) were arrested this morning and Jappue Shiko (29) was rearrested at Phahladira Mall in Villa Nora
LIMPOPO – Three out of the five escapees who escaped from police holding cells in Witpoort outside Lepahale on Tuesday evening have been rearrested.
Read more: 5 prisoners escape from police holding cells outside Lephalale
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo says their arrests stem from the alertness from the community and their willingness to work with the police.
19-year-old, Paul Madira, who was arrested for rape and Lesiba Frans Machaba (27) arrested for business burglary, were recaptured by police this morning, 30 October, during an operation activated soon after receiving valuable information from the community.
The third escapee, Jappie Shiko (29) was cornered by patrons in the Phahladira Mall in the Villa Nora policing area outside Lephalale and was handed over to the police. He was initially arrested for murder.
“All escapees will face additional charges of escaping from lawful custody,” Mojapelo said.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has thanked the community for heeding the police’s call for assistance and providing valuable information.
Mojapelo says the search for the two remaining escapees, Bongani Sibanda (31) who was arrested for business burglary and 39-year-old, Sipho Mpofu arrested for murder continues and anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Watrant Officer Ratlou Morudu at 0824688931 or the crime stop number 0860010111.
