POLICE LAUNCH MASSIVE MANHUNT FOR HEAVILY ARMED SUSPECTS WHO ATTACKED POLICE OFFICERS TRANSPORTING AWAITING TRIAL PRISONERS AND TOOK THEM INTO THEIR VEHICLE
POLOKWANE: The Police in Makhado have launched a massive manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects who attacked and shot at Police members transporting six awaiting trial prisoners and managed to free them this morning, Monday 13 March 2023. The suspects thereafter took the six prisoners and sped off in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Bakkie.
The incident happened along the Vivo road next to the first Schoemansdal turnoff outside Louis Trichardt.
The following prisoners, pictured below managed to escape during the attack:
▪️Forward Shumba aged 26
▪️Shingirai Nyandome aged 32
▪️Brilliant Sibanda aged 26
▪️Erick Sithole aged 35
▪️Moses Zambara aged 32
▪️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 airwing, 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 082 565 8171, the crime stop number 0860010111 or may send the message via MySAPSApp.
