Police have re-arrested one of the six inmates who escaped from the Lydenburg Police Station in Mpumalanga, while the search for the remaining five fugitives continues.
Officers tracked down and arrested Clayton Flank near a sports ground in Kellisville outside Lydenburg.
He will soon appear in the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court on a charge of escaping from custody.
How the Lydenburg prison escape happened
Police uncovered the breakout during a routine inspection after noticing a leak in one of the holding cells.
Officers investigated further and found a hole in the wall that they believe the escapees used to flee the facility.
Reports suggest the inmates broke a washbasin to create the opening, but police have not yet confirmed what tools were used or how long the escape plan was in motion.
Lydenburg prison: Police identify four of six escapees
Mpumalanga police have identified four of the six escapees, including two Mozambican nationals. They are:
- Francisco Vasco Maganja (47)
- Fana Fenyane (38)
- Clayton Flank (37)
- Sergio Laurenco Mandoza (34)
Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said technical issues had prevented them from releasing photos of the remaining two suspects, Isaac Malope and France Malatjie.
She said police expected to make the images available soon.
Nonyane-Mpe said police had originally arrested all six men on serious charges, including murder, rape, possession of an unlicensed firearm and malicious property damage.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
SAPS urged the public to assist in locating the remaining fugitives.
“Anyone with information on these suspects’ whereabouts should come forward,” the police said.
Information can be submitted via #CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or the #MySAPSApp.
SAPS assured the public that all information will remain confidential and that callers may choose to stay anonymous.
