North West police have issued an urgent request for the public to assist with any information regarding the whereabouts of 29-year old Sibusiso Mkhatshwa.

The suspect described as "violent" escaped from custody a week ago while on his way to court to stand trial for alleged murder and house robbery in Klerksdorp.

He is believed to target houses where he knows there are only female persons and also strikes during the day when any children residing in the home are at school.

Mkhatshwa is described as intelligent and dangerous and he has already escaped on two occasions- once using the identity of one of his cell mates when in custody at court.

Anyone with information may call the investigating officer: Sgt. Kutumela of the Klerksdorp Organised Crime Unit, can be contacted at (018) 464-5327 or 082 338 2593.