Limpopo: Four prisoners escape from exercise room at prison
The four prisoners reportedly cut the inner burglar door of a holding cell open.
MOKOPANE – The police in the province are on high-alert after four detainees escaped from custody at the Mahwelereng prison around 21:00 last night (September 26).
Review was notified about the escape and made aware that the four were kept in one cell along with seven other detainees.
A statement received by Review indicates that the four managed to cut the inner burglar door open.
“The inner solid door of the cell was defected and was not locked. They managed to cut through the roof in the exercising room and escaped unnoticed. Detainees who did not escape, alerted the members on duty, who immediately mobilised. The suspects were traced without success,” the statement reads..
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed that four men escaped from a holding cell, but did not confirm the particulars.
He said the four men who have escaped are:
1. Bangladesh national Mohammed Nassir (29) who was arrested for murder that took place in January.
2. Zimbabwean national Stanley Chiteya (38) who was arrested for business robbery that took place in November 2020.
3. Zimbabwean national Dexter Tinashe (26) who was arrested for business robbery that took place in November 2020.
4. South African Joseph Hlongwane (37) who was arrested for house robbery and rape which happened in September.
“Investigations into the circumstances of the escape have already commenced. The suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes and as a result, members of the community are advised not to attempt to arrest them if they have information about any of their whereabouts but must instead contact the police,” Mojapelo explained.
He urged anyone with information about these escapees to contact investigating officer Lt Col Sekanka on 082565 8505, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police.
