COOKHOUSE – The two detainees who escaped from Cookhouse Police Station last week have been re-arrested less than 60 hours after police launched an intensive manhunt.
NovaNews earlier reported that Atshaxole Booi (23) and Patrick Ndokweni (34) escaped from custody on Thursday evening, 4 December, after officers discovered they were missing during a routine cell inspection.
The alarm was raised when a robbery complainant identified Booi as one of the suspects.
READ: Manhunt launched after two detainees escape from police cells
Police have now confirmed that both men were tracked down in Bedford following information received on Friday, 5 December.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, police said a multi-disciplinary team was activated and managed to apprehend Booi at around 07:40 on Saturday morning, 6 December, after he was spotted walking along a street in the area.
Ndokweni was traced a short while later and found hiding inside an abandoned house at approximately 09:30 today.
The pair face a string of charges, including assault and escaping from lawful custody, and are expected to appear in the Cookhouse Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 December 2025.
Acting provincial commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, commended the coordinated efforts of all involved, emphasising the importance of the public and media in the successful operation.
“The effective collaboration between law enforcement and the media, which disseminated the crucial information to the public, led to the re-arrest of the two escapees,” she said.
Police have thanked community members who came forward with information and have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the Cookhouse and Bedford areas.
