LYDENBURG – The Mpumalanga police continue a massive manhunt for five men, three South Africans and two Mozambicans who escaped from custody at the Lydenburg police station in the early hours of Saturday, 29 November. The search has resulted in the arrest of one escapee, a South African, Clayton Flank, yesterday, Sunday, 30 November.
The man is expected to appear in the Mashishing Magistrates Court today – Monday, 1 December, facing a charge of escaping from lawful custody. The police reported that Flank was re-arrested near a sports ground in Kellisville in Lydenburg at about 04:00 – thanks to intelligence-driven information received from members of the community. The new charge of escaping from lawful custody will be added to other existing serious charges for which he was earlier arrested.
Those still on the run include two Mozambican nationals: Sergio Mandoza and Francisco Vasco Maganja, and three South Africans: France Malatjie, Fana Fenyane and Isaac Malope.
Capt. Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, said the discovery of the escape was made during a routine cell inspection at 02:30 AM.
“The officers noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the holding cells. Upon further inspection, they discovered a hole in the wall. Members also established that there was structural damage, and the six suspects had escaped,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
She said all the six men were arrested on various charges including murder, rape, possession of unlicensed firearms as well as malicious damage to property.
The police are appealing to members of the public who may have information on the whereabouts of the five escapees to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the detective branch commander of the Lydenburg police on 076 060 0273, alternatively report via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
