Police in Makhado have launched a massive manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects who attacked and shot at police officers, aiding six awaiting trial detainees to escape from
Police in Makhado, Limpopo have launched a massive manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects who attacked and shot at police officers, aiding six awaiting trial detainees to escape from custody on Monday, March 13th, 2023. The suspects then fled the scene with the escapees in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Bakkie.
The incident occurred along the Vivo road, next to the first Schoemansdal turnoff, outside Louis Trichardt. The six prisoners, all Zimbabwean nationals, managed to escape during the attack.
The prisoners have been identified as 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.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha said 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.
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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.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach the suspects under any circumstances as they are considered dangerous. Instead, people are advised to call the police if they have any information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspects and the escapees.
The police are appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects and the re-capture of the escapees.
