BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State police finally arrested Patrick Machuto (49), a fugitive wanted in a murder and robbery case, after almost two decades on the run. Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson, said members of the Provincial Police Tracking and Tracing Team apprehended the accused on Tuesday while appearing in connection with an assault case before the Lehurutse Magistrate’s Court in North West.

“Machuto had been on the run since 2015 after failing to honour his court appearances in connection with a 2007 murder and robbery case registered in the Kopanong area in Bloemfontein,” said Kareli. He said the successful tracing and arrest followed the team’s prompt reaction after receiving crucial information about the whereabouts of Machuto, including his court appearance for an assault matter.

“Operational arrangements were made between the Free State tracking team and the local investigating officer in North West to monitor the court roll and alert the team as soon as the accused appears,” said Kareli. Tracing the accused at the Lehurutse Magistrate’s Court came after the Free State investigators unsuccessful effort at his known residential address in Lehurutse.

Kareli said Machuto will face an additional charge of contempt of court due to his failure to attend the pending murder and robbery case. He faces charges of murder and robbery case reportedly committed in 2007.
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