The provincial Hawks spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, tells OFM News that the Hawks are in pursuit of the five suspects who forced open the steel door at the court’s jail cell and managed to escape. She says this after one of the accused drew a firearm and pointed it at a police officer following their court appearance, during when they were allegedly taken down to the court cells. Rikhotso says a reward has been set out regarding the whereabouts of the suspects. The Five escaped after a brief appearance facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of unlicensed firearms, hijacking, possession of stolen vehicles and attempted murder.

“The five accused, Sibusiso Sibeko (40), Tebogo Molefi Ntenchane (35), Bongani Eudwin Mkhwanazi (51), Sithembiso Mthembu (43), and Tshepo Seboko (37) were arrested on November 2015 following an armed robbery that took place in Wolmaransstad,” she adds. “The five accused were arrested in November 2015 following an armed robbery that took place in Wolmaransstad.It is alleged that the accused rammed into a vehicle that was driven by a security manager of a mine, pointed a firearm at the driver and stole diamond gravel that was loaded in the vehicle,” Rikhotso further adds.

The suspects then allegedly hijacked an Isuzu bakkie from a member of the community and drove off towards Schweizer Reneke. “The incident was allegedly shared on the community social media groups and when members of the community later spotted the stolen vehicle with the suspects inside, a chase and shootout ensued.” The Isuzu bakkie lost control during the chase and the suspects ran on foot into a maize field where the community members allegedly surrounded them and subsequently detained them,” she adds. Police were called to the scene and the suspects were arrested.

“Please contact the Investigating Officer Laurie Lauwrens at 082-339-0766 or Warrant Officer Brian van der Westhuizen at 083-462-3951 or Crime Stop 0860010111. Information received will be treated with confidentiality,” she continues to add. Rikhotso has further urged members of the community not to approach the suspects as they are considered armed and dangerous.

OFM News