'We will not be a hiding place for convicts,' warns Madonsi leader

The police are in pursuit of two of the three prisoners who escaped from the Saselamani police-detention facility in the early hours of Thursday, 2 November.

According to a report received, police officers on duty on the day of the incident were conducting their hourly routine patrol at about 03:26 when they heard an unusual noise coming from the cells. Upon arrival in the cells, they discovered that three of the inmates had escaped through the roof, prompting a massive manhunt for the fugitives.

“We are happy to announce that, with the help of the Madonsi community, we managed to recapture one of the fugitives, Dumisani Respect Chauke, on the morning of Sunday, 5 November, at Madonsi village in the Malamulele police precinct,” said Limpopo Police Spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba. Chauke (32), who had been awaiting trial at the time of his escape, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Mashaba stated that the manhunt continued for the two remaining escapees, Ronald Mkateko Chauke (33), arrested for burglary, and Jimmy Mathirele (32), who also faces charges of burglary.

The traditional leader of Madonsi, Hosi Evans Wisani Hlungwani, praised his subjects for informing the police about the whereabouts of the captured fugitive. He emphasised the importance of communities’ cooperating with law enforcement to prevent criminals from finding a place to hide.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Radebe praised the police for the swift apprehension of the escaped prisoner and urged local communities to assist in recapturing the remaining two escapees.

Anyone with information that can assist the police should contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Nkhangweleni Tshilande, at 072 728 1504. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, report to the nearest police station, or share information anonymously through the MySAPSApp.

Date:09 November 2023

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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