Six Zimbabweans Escape Jail In Movie-Style Prison Break
In a daring and brazen prison break, armed men have assisted six Zimbabwean prisoners to escape from custody in Makhado, leaving the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the hunt for the fugitives. The incident occurred on Monday, the 13th of March, 2022, when heavily armed suspects approached the police along the Vivo road next to the first Sxhoemansdal turnoff outside Louis Trichardt. The suspects fired gunshots at the cops guarding the six detainees who were about to go on trial.
After overpowering the cops, the armed men took the six prisoners and fled the scene in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Bakkie, leaving the authorities scrambling to apprehend them. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident and revealed the identity of the prisoners who fled, warning the public not to approach the suspects as they are deemed dangerous.
“The following prisoners 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 and 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.”
South Africans have expressed mixed reactions over the armed suspects who helped the Zimbabwean prisoners escape, with some calling for swift justice to be served while others are concerned about the safety of the public. In response, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered SAPS to mobilise resources, including the air wing, to locate and arrest the escapees and suspects.
Brigadier Mojapelo also appealed to the public not to approach the suspects, urging them to notify the SAPS once they spot the prisoners and their accomplices. “To provide any pertinent information, please contact Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha at 082 565 8171, the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.”