North West police have launched a multidisciplinary manhunt in search of five fugitives who broke out of a prison in Zeerust, on Sunday 8 May 2022.
How fugitives pulled off a prison break in Zeerust
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the five suspects, considered highly dangerous, are:
- Joshua Sibanda (39);
- Amogelang Motsiane (36);
- Tshepiso kwenampe (22);
- Bengu Hlanganane (31); and
- Enoch Lebeloane (46).
How the prison break was pulled off, Brig Mokgwabone confirmed, is still under investigation. What police know so far, however, is that an on-duty officer who had been doing the rounds at the Zeerust police station’s holding cells that Sunday morning was allegedly overpowered by the fugitives.
Questions still remain about how the police officer was accosted inside a precinct that is meant to be secure, and where his colleagues were at the time of the prison break.
Alas, Mokgwabone confirmed that the five suspects “took cells key from the member and ultimately escaped.”
A concerted effort is underway to track down and arrest the fugitives who, according to Mokgwabone, are awaiting trial for heinous crimes, including “house robbery, rape, attempted murder, business robbery and aggravated robbery.”
“None of the escapees has been re-arrested and members of the community are urged not to attempt to re-arrest the escapees in case they see them, but to call the nearest police station, as they (escapees) are presumed to be dangerous.
“Alternatively, the Investigating Officer, Captain Basimane Molefe can be contacted on 076 510 8285. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.” the police warned.
This is a developing story. Check back in later for more updates.
