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Two suspects arrested in police van ambush, escapees still at large

Police  made a swift arrest of two suspects believed to be connected with the ambush of a police officers who were escorting six prisoners from Makhado Correctional Centre to Senwabarwana on Monday.

The suspects, allegedly heavily armed, reportedly helped the prisoners break away from the police vehicle and flee in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota bakkie along the Vivo road.

The Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery Unit had on Tuesday night apprehended two suspects, a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national,Thabani Sibanda believed to be the brother one of the six prisoners and  a South African National Defence Force member aged 38, in Musina.

Zimbabwean national, Thabani Sibanda
SANDF member Kedibone Langa

According to, Brigadier Mojapelo , the arrest of the suspects follows a tip-off related to the attack on police officers transporting six awaiting prisoners earlier in the week.

Brigadier Mojapelo reported that the two motor vehicles used in the commission of the crime – a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota bakkie – were discovered during the arrest and seized.

Subsequently, the pair appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court, where they were held in custody until March 22, 2023 while investigations into the numerous charges they face – including aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, defeating justice, malicious damage to property, and discharging a firearm – are ongoing.

The  escapees, Forward Shumba 26, Shingirai Nyandome 32, Brilliant Sibanda 26, Erick Sithole 35, Moses Zambara 32, and Alex Nkomo 35, are still at large.

Anyone with information should contact Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha on 082 565 8171, the crime stop number 0860010111 or may send the message via MySAPSApp.

 

 

 

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