By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 January 2025- The police in North West said they have arrested the fifth escapee, Thapelo William Molebatsi (25) at abandoned farm houses in Swartruggens on 30 December 2024. The police said they have received a tip-off following the request for public assistance in locating Molebatsi, who is also known as Makwete.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Molebatsi was the only outstanding escapee. Myburgh said the police received a tip-off regarding Molebatsi’s whereabouts and the information was operationalised by the Swartruggens Detectives and Visible Policing members on 31 December 2024.

“Molebatsi escaped with four others from the Swartruggens Police Holding Cells on 8 December 2024. He is expected to appear in Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on a charge of escape from lawful custody on 2 January 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded the police, as well as all other role players for their diligence in ensuring that all four suspects were re-arrested and brought to book.

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