Rustenburg - Five of the six awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from custody in Atamelang near Mahikeng have been re-arrested, North West police said on Tuesday.
Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said they were arrested on Monday in Stella after the police were tipped off of their whereabouts. They escaped on Sunday afternoon around 5pm.
“They were found in possession of the two cellphones and a firearm. The suspects escaped after overpowering a police official, and robbing him of his service firearm,” he said.
He said Sunnyboy Kealeboga Mokgosi, 21, Thabang Gilbert Tladi, 20, Thabang Sox Jacob Mosweu, 18, Thabo Moreki, 19, and Thabang William Montwedi, 19, were awaiting trial on cases varying from robbery to murder.
He said the police were still working hard to re-arrest the sixth man, Thabo Moreki.
“One of the re-arrested suspects will be charged with illegal possession of firearm. They are all expected to appear in Atamelang Magistrate’s Court soon for escaping from lawful custody.”
He said departmental investigation has been instituted to determine circumstances around the escape.
ANA