5 prisoners escape from police holding cells outside Lephalale
The escapees face murder, rape and business burglary charges
LIMPOPO – The police are searching for five trial-awaiting prisoners who escaped from the police holding cells in Witpoort outside Lepahale on Tuesday evening.
It is alleged the prisoners, aged between 19 and 39, escaped through a hole inside the cells at around 22:00, said Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement on Wednesday.
Read more: Prison escapees apprehended outside Polokwane
The escapees face murder, rape and business burglary charges and have been identified as Jappie Shiko (29) from Kitty Village, Lesiba Frans Machaba (27) from Kauletse village, Paul Madira (19) from Botsalanong village, Bongani Sibanda (31) from Zimbabwe and Sipho Mpofu (39).
Photos of Jappie Shiko (29) and Paul Madira (19) are not currently available.
Sibanda has injuries sustained during a burglary business incident, Mojapelo added.
The circumstances around their escape are still being investigated. The police appeal to the community to assist with any information that can lead to the re-arrest of these escapees to urgently contact Detective Warrant Officer Ratlou Morudu at 082 468 8931, the crime stop number at 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
