NELSPRUIT – A vigorous manhunt has been launched by police in Mpumalanga following an incident where two dangerous suspects escaped from lawful custody earlier today, Tuesday 26 January 2021. The suspects are 24-year-old Sabelo Nkosi, and Njabulo Nsibande aged 27.
The duo are said to have escaped at Gert Sibande District near Ermelo Correctional Centre. They were being transported from Breyten Magistrate’s Court to the Correctional facility. Nkosi and Nsibande were initially arrested after they reportedly committed various offences in December 2016. These offences include murder, attempted murder, two counts of rape as well as two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and were both on trial for the said charges. The escapees appeared before the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting at Breyten on Monday, 25 January 2021.
Police urge members of the public including families of the suspects, to assist with information that may lead to their re-arrest. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mmabatho Mafate on 072 610 5768 from Ermelo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MY SAPS APP which can be downloaded to any smartphone. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
An internal investigation, that will look into how these suspects escaped, is underway.

Source: South African Police Service