BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE- “EmaSwati should be on the lookout.”
Mpumalanga South African Police Service (SAPS) Communications Officer Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo has warned emaSwati to be on the lookout for six fugitives, who are suspected to be around Eswatini borders.
“The dangerous fugitives could already be in Eswatini for all we know. We plead for emaSwati to be vigilant,” said Mojapelo in a telephonic interview.
Earlier today, the SAPS sent out a statement, stating that the police of Makhado had launched a massive manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects who attacked and shot at police helping six awaiting trial detainees escape from custody this morning, Monday, March 13, 2023. The suspects thereafter took the six prisoners and sped off in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Bakkie.
According to the statement, the incident occurred along the Vivo road next to the first Schoemansdal turnoff outside Louis Trichardt.
The prisoners are Forward Shumba aged 26, Shingirai Nyandome aged 32, Brilliant Sibanda aged 26, Erick Sithole aged 35, Moses Zambara aged 32 and Alex Nkomo aged 35.
“All escapees are Zimbabwean nationals. The first five were arrested for aggravated robbery, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The last one was arrested for theft of cables.
“The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered the mobilization of the necessary Police resources, including the air wing, to hunt down the escapees and the suspects.
“People are advised not to approach the suspects under any circumstances as they are considered dangerous but must instead call the Police.”
Anyone with information may contact Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha at +2782 565 8171, the Crime Stop number at +278 600 10111, or may send information through the MySAPS App. For enquiries, people may also contact Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo at +278 2876 6429.
