Authorities in Hartbeesfontein have been on the hunt for four prison escapees who are considered a danger to society.
This past weekend, the quiet town situated in the North West province was the scene of a massive search for prisoners who managed to slip out of holding cells at Hartbeesfontein police station in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Hartbeesfontein prison break: Was in an inside job?
According to police spokesperson Captain Aafje Botma, everything about how the escapees made it out of their cells has the telltale signs of an inside job.
“It was discovered during routine cell inspection at the station that the four detainees escaped. The Police are currently busy with an internal investigation determining the circumstances surrounding the escape,” Botma noted in a statement.
What we know about the escapees
Three days after the daring prison break and all four of the fugitives are still at large. An all-points bulletin has been circulating around all law enforcement departments in the province to prioritise tip-offs and sightings of the prison escapees.
While there is not much information available on the suspects, we have acquired a clear image of each fugitive along with the charges they face.
Tebogo Monnamogolo
Age: 31 years old
Charge: Residential burglary
Piet Sechele
Age: 26 years old
Charge: Murder
Tebogo Moloko
Age: 28 years old
Charge: Business robbery
Ranthati Mothobi
Age: 50 years old
Charge: Rape
Authorities have warned the public to — under no circumstance — attempt to make a citizens arrest or take matters into their own hands should anyone encounter the suspects.
“Members of the community are urged not to try and apprehend or confront the escapees as they may be dangerous. Thus, anyone with information is requested to call the nearest police station or contact Captain Ananias Moleki on 082 416 0780,” the statement concluded.
