Mpumalanga police have launched a massive manhunt after six suspects broke out of the Lydenburg Police Station in the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to the provincial SAPS, officers discovered about 2:30am during a routine inspection.
Police initially noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the holding cells. When they investigated further, they found a hole in the wall and structural damage that indicated the suspects had used it to escape.
Authorities have named the fugitives as:
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The suspects were being held on a range of serious charges, including murder, rape, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and malicious damage to property.
Police have urged the public to assist in locating the escapees. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide tip-offs through the MySAPS app.
All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous, SAPS said.
Acting provincial commissioner Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi said the escape was being taken “extremely seriously,” vowing that the men would be tracked down and returned to custody.
He confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine how the breakout occurred.
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