A visit to Maganeng Clinic in North West took a dramatic turn when one of four detainees allegedly escaped from police custody and fled into nearby bushes before being rearrested later the same day.
The incident happened on Tuesday.
Tshepo Lobelo, who was among four detainees taken from Pudimoe Police Station to the clinic for medical treatment, allegedly made his escape after arriving at the facility.
He was rearrested later that evening following a search operation.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe said that upon arrival at the clinic at about 10.50am, Lobelo allegedly escaped from police custody and fled into nearby bushes.
“A search operation was immediately launched, and the 72-Hour Activation Plan was invoked.”
She said a multidisciplinary team comprising various South African Police Service units and specialised resources was mobilised to trace and find Lobelo.
“At approximately 19:45 on the same day, the team rearrested Lobelo.”
He had been arrested in connection with a 2024 murder.
Magakoe said that at the time of his escape, the matter had been remanded to December 7.
Lobelo will now face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody and is expected to appear before the Pudimoe Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
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Magakoe said investigations into the escape are ongoing.
“The circumstances surrounding the escape from custody will be investigated, including the circumstances relating to the transportation, restraint and supervision of the detainee.”
North West provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams commended the multidisciplinary team for its swift response and rearrest of the escapee.
“An escape from lawful custody is a serious matter, and every effort will be made to ensure that those who attempt to evade the justice system are brought back to face the full might of the law.”
“We commend all the members who worked tirelessly to ensure that the escapee was rearrested within hours,” Adams added.
