Three escape from police custody

Oscar Thomas
19 March 2015

Limpopo police are on a manhunt for three suspects who escaped from a police van while heading to Modimolle from Pretoria.

Colonel Ronel Otto said one of the detainees who managed to escape was in possession of a small saw and a knife, and threatened the thirteen awaiting prisioners who were in the vehicle to keep quiet. The police are continuing to search for the suspects.

Otto said three suspects escaped through the window of the back door and ran away. None of the other detainees managed to escape. 

Otto said a search was immediately launched for the escaped detainees, involving K9 and Highway Patrol members, but no re arrests have been made yet.

Otto said the suspects are Jekanuika Vurayayi and Alex Matayaya who were both initially arrested for armed robbery and Edson Chuma, who was arrested for housebreaking and theft.

Otto said should anybody have information on the whereabouts of these suspects, or any other information which might assist in the recapturing of the suspects, they are requested to contact their nearest police station or call 08600 10111 where information can also be supplied anonymously.

“The circumstances around the escape, including how the detainees were able to be in possession of a saw and a knife, are being investigated” Otto added.