DANGEROUS SUSPECT WHO ESCAPED FROM MEDICAL FACILITY IN MOPANI DISTRICT REARRESTED IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
POLOKWANE: A 34 year-old male suspect, Tumelo Raledi who escaped from lawful custody while admitted for medical treatment under police guard at Maphuta Malatji hospital in the Mopani District on Sunday 26 April 2026 at about 21:30 has been rearrested in Mpumalanga province.
Following the incident, an intensive manhunt of the escapee was launched for his rearrest.
On Thursday, 30 April 2026, at about 03:30, with the assistance of concerned citizens, police were informed about the location of the suspect who was at his hideout at a residence in the Bushbuckridge policing area.
Police rushed to the vicinity and subsequently apprehended a 34 year-old suspect who is considered dangerous and facing serious violent crimes including rape, attempted murder and two counts of murder allegedly committed between 2023 and 2025 in the Namakgale policing area.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has appreciated good collaboration between the members of the community in Mpumalanga province in rearrest of Tumelo Raledi and encouraged everyone to continue combating any criminal activities by reporting to the police.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Namakgale Magistrate court on Monday, 04 May 2026, facing a charge of escaping from lawfully custody.
Police investigations are continuing.
