Hard work and persistence paid off when a Task Team comprising of members from SAPS Maluti and Matatiele successfully re-arrested an escapee wanted in Maluti and also a suspect wanted for Kidnapping, Robbery and Attempted Murder in Matatiele.
Information received led the Task Team into the mountainous area in Matatiele during the early hours of Friday morning, 3 February 2023. At about 01:00, the 32-year-old suspect and escapee was arrested while hiding deep in the mountains. He was found in possession of the stolen property (cell phone, laptop, router and the vehicle keys)
The suspect was one of five awaiting trial prisoners that escaped from police cells in Maluti in November 2022.
He was awaiting trial for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and theft of motor vehicle. He appeared before the Maluti Magistrate’s Court on 6 February 2023, on these charges as well as escaping from lawful custody. He is remanded in custody.
It is alleged that on 14 January 2023 at about 02:30, the suspect broke into a house in Dack location in Matatiele and accosted the 36-year-old complainant. She was stabbed multiple times, dragged into her vehicle and driven to Mvenyane Forest approximately 50km away and further assaulted.
At about 06:00, a hunter found them and after questioning the suspect, the suspect drove off in the complainant’s car leaving her behind. Her vehicle was found locked and abandoned about 35 km’s away.
She was taken to hospital for treatment.
The suspect is charged on cases of Kidnapping, Robbery and Attempted and is expected to appear in the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 February 2023.
Alfred Nzo District Commissioner, Maj Gen Nompumelelo Majikijela commended the team for their hard work and determination in tracing this dangerous felon and securing his detention. ‘The team had been relentless in their efforts in trying to trace this suspect who poses a major threat to society. We will be working closely with the NPA to ensure that he remains in custody until the finalisation of his cases,’ added Maj Gen Majikijela
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