North West Acting Premier Paul Sebegoe has applauded members of the community and police for the swift arrest of four of the seven suspects, including the infamous hammer man, who escaped from the police cells last week, and called for a speedy arrest of the remaining three suspects still at large.
Acting Premier Sebegoe said it was comforting to hear that the man suspected of being the Hammer man, who terrorised communities in and around Mahikeng by raping and killing women with a hammer, was back behind bars.
“We are relieved that the alleged Hammer man is back behind bars where he belongs and want to thank members of the community for providing vital information that led to his re-arrest together with three other escapees,” Sebegoe said.
“This breakthrough underscores what can be achieved by communities that are working with police to win the fight against the scourge of crime” he added.
It is believed that the suspects escaped through the ceiling after cutting the mesh wire of the cell at Mmabatho Police Station. Solomon Moleko, 34 commonly known as “Hammer- man” facing charges of rape and murder was re-arrested on Saturday and has already appeared in Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court.
Gaothaelwe Lesole, 24 facing a charge of House robbery, was re-arrested on Sunday, and is expected to appear before the court soon. Charles Pheta,28 facing a charge of car hi-jacking and robbery and Mogomotsi Sebolane, 26 facing a charge of car hi-jacking and robbery were re-arrested on Thursday.
The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the community about suspicious people who were hiding at a house in extension 39 in Mmabatho.
According to police the three suspects still at large are: Boitumelo Moiloa farcing murder charges, Goitseone Mogodunyane charged with possession of suspected stolen property and Johnny Olebile Nkareng who is facing a charge of robbery with aggravating circmstances.
Police say the three escapees who are still at large are dangerous and that if sighted members of the public should not confront them but instead report them to the nearest police station or call Mmabatho Police Station on (018) 387 7500 or Crime Stop no. 08600 10111.
Premier Modise had earlier said that her office will request a full report on the circumstances which led to their escape.
SOURCE: South African Official News