LIMPOPO – A manhunt for the escapees was immediately launched after they cut the roof of one of the cell blocks and escaped.
According to Police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe two of escapees, Thabiso Rudolf Maleka (27), and Motswiri Perry Mphahlele (25), were sentenced by the Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court to an effective two years imprisonment with no fine for escaping from lawful custody.
“Mpho Ledwaba (33), France Maponya (19) and Piet Mashaba (23) are to appear before the same magistrate court on 6 April 2018 on charges of escaping from lawful custody. This is to allow for further police investigations, explained Ngoepe.
The manhunt for the remaining two awaiting trial prisoners, Tshepo Maja (39) and Lucas Chuene (30) is still unfolding, he confirmed.
2 Febraury 2018
POLOKWANE – According to Police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, two more escapees, Thabiso Rudolf Maleka (30) and Motswiri Mphahlele (25) were re-arrested this morning (Friday 2 February 2018).
This bring the total number of re-arrested escapees to three. A manhunt for the remaining four awaiting trial prisoners still continues, he added.
The following escapees are still being sought:
• Lucas Chuene (30) arrested for murder.
• Tshepo Maja (39) arrested for rape and robbery.
• Mpho Ledwaba (33) also arrested for rape and robbery.
• Frans Maponya (19) also arrested for rape and robbery.
Anyone with information which can assist the police to arrest the remaining four escapees, may contact Colonel Margarett Kgwedi at 082 451 7229 or the nearest Police Station. ALternaively they can contact the 24-hour crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211.
1 February 2018
POLOKWANE – According to Police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, 19-year-old Piet Mashaba was arrested on Wednesday night, while in hiding.
Ngoepe says Mashaba was arrested during a search operation.
“The manhunt for the remaining six escapees continues,” he concluded.
POLOKWANE – Police in Lebowakgomo have since launched a manhunt for the seven prisoners after they cut the roof of one of the cell blocks and escaped.
The following escapees are being sought:
• Thabiso Maleka (30) arrested for for robbery.
• Lucas Chuene (30) arrested for murder.
• Motswiri Mohahlele (25) arrested for robbery.
• Tshepo Maja (39) arrested for rape and robbery.
• Mpho Ledwaba (33) arrested for rape and robbery.
• Frans Maponya (19) arrested for rape and robbery.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the photo of Lucas Chuene (30) is still outstanding.
He added that the last four mentioned prisoners were arrested following an incident that took place in June 2017.
“A man and his girlfriend were walking in the street in Mamaolo, next to Lebowakgomo, when they were robbed of cell phones and clothes at gun point. The suspects took turns in raping the woman,” he explained.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Station Commander, Colonel Margarett Kgwedi at 0824517229.
