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Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt for three suspects who escaped from lawful custody on Monday, 19 April 2021, at Volksrust Magistrate’s Court.
Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli stated reports indicate there were initially four suspects who escaped, but one of the men was later rearrested. According to the report, on Monday morning, 19 April 2021, police were transporting four suspects arrested on allegations of a business robbery on 10 April 2021. “During the time when the suspects were being taken from the police van to court, a scuffle broke out, and the four suspects escaped. A manhunt was immediately launched thereafter,” states Colonel Mdhlui.
While searching for the suspects, police received information that one of the suspects, Welcome Mncube, was spotted in a bush near the courthouse (clearly not good at hide-and-seek). Police then followed the lead, located him, and swiftly re-arrested the suspect.
Colonel Mdhluli adds that the suspect tried to grab the police officer’s service pistol while being arrested. During the tussle, the firearm went off, hitting the criminal. The suspect was then taken to hospital and is currently under police guard. Two police officers suffered injuries during the scuffle and are recovering in hospital.
While one suspect is under police guard, the other three suspects, Jima Dube, Sandile Gasa, and Emmanuel Sibanda, are still at large. “Police urge members of the public not to approach them, as they are considered to be dangerous, but rather notify police about their whereabouts. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges with regard to the injured members.”
Members of the community can contact Volksrust Police on 017 735 9913 or via the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPS App. All information received will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Be sure to do your part and report these men to the police if you see them.
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