The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for a 20-year-old rapist identified as Gift Tonko Tshehla, who escaped from lawful custody in Motetema Police station.
According to Police report, he escaped from custody after he faked an identity of another suspect on the 16th July 2017. A man who claimed to be his relative paid a bail of R300-00 in the name of another suspect and took him away.
Gift was initially arrested for a rape he committed in 2016. He was later linked to five other rapes which he committed in 2014. It’s said he targeted young girls, Buzz SA reported
The SAPS in a statement has appealed with the general public to help with information that will lead to his arrest.
“Anyone with information about this suspect may contact Detective Warrant Officer Sekgala Thomas Madiba at 082 296 8397, Detective Warrant Officer Seleka Phillimon Mmaphuthi at 073 846 9144 or Detective Warrant Officer Kgerubi Moela at 071 355 0577. “Alternatively, Crime Stop can also be contacted on 08600 10111; the crime line SMS on 32211 or the nearest Police Station,” SAPS implored.
The authorities also disclosed that they are also making another move to recaptured a serial robber who escaped from Tubatse Police station
32-year-old Vincent Phetla escaped from lawful custody late on Sunday afternoon.
He was arrested for a series of armed robberies. The robberies happened in the Burgersfort and Steelpoort areas two months ago. But, he was only arrested last week during an Intelligent Led Joint Operation led by the Provincial Tracking Team.
According to SAPS, he escaped while further investigations are being carried out on the crimes he committed. Now, the detailed circumstances behind his escape are also being investigated.
“It is alleged that the suspect escaped near Ga-Mashamothane Zone-6 village and disappeared. Anyone with information about his whereabouts may contact Detective Warrant Officer Mamphoke on 076 416 6876, Crime Stop – 0860010 111, crime line SMS – 32211 or the nearest Police Station,” SAPS appealed.
The police service assured that investigations on the escape of the rapist and the serial robber will uncover all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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