Key Takeaways
- Six inmates awaiting trial escaped from the Mashishing police cells in Lydenburg on November 29
- The inmates used a removed washbasin to break through a wall and escape
- The escapees are facing various charges, including rape, murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm
- The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any information to the police
- A investigation into the circumstances of the escape is ongoing
Introduction to the Incident
Six inmates awaiting trial made a daring escape from the Mashishing police cells in Lydenburg in the early hours of November 29. The escape occurred when members of the police were conducting an inspection around the premises and noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the cells at about 02:30. Upon closer investigation, the members noticed a hole in the wall and discovered that a washbasin had been removed from the wall and that the cell wall was damaged. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the inmates escaped through the wall after apparently using the basin to break it.
The Escapees and Their Charges
The six escapees are facing various charges, including rape, murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The names of the escapees are Fana Fenyane, who is facing a rape charge, Isaac Malope, who is also facing a rape charge, Sergio Mandoza, a Mozambican national facing a murder charge, Francisco Vasco Maganja, also a Mozambican national facing a charge of murder, France Malatjie, who is facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm, and Clayton Flank, who is facing a charge of malicious damage to property. The ages of the escapees had not yet been released at the time of publishing. The community is urged to be aware of the potential danger posed by these escapees and to report any information to the police.
Community Alert and Investigation
Captain Nonyane-Mpe urged members of the community to remain vigilant and to avoid confronting the escapees. "These are extremely dangerous suspects, so please avoid confronting them. Alert the police instead," she warned. Members of the community with information that may assist in recapturing the escapees are urged to contact their nearest police station. They may also call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS app. All information will be treated as confidential, and the investigation into the circumstances of the escape is ongoing. The police are working to recapture the escapees and to determine the circumstances surrounding their escape.
Importance of Community Cooperation
The escape of the six inmates highlights the importance of community cooperation in maintaining law and order. The police rely on the community to provide information and assistance in investigating and preventing crimes. In this case, the community is urged to report any information that may assist in recapturing the escapees. By working together, the police and the community can ensure that justice is served and that those who have committed crimes are held accountable. The police are committed to keeping the community safe and to protecting the rights of all citizens.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the escape of the six inmates from the Mashishing police cells in Lydenburg is a serious incident that highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between the police and the community. The police are working to recapture the escapees and to determine the circumstances surrounding their escape. The community is urged to remain vigilant and to report any information to the police. By working together, we can ensure that justice is served and that those who have committed crimes are held accountable. The investigation into the circumstances of the escape is ongoing, and the police will provide updates as more information becomes available.