LETSITELE – Three dangerous prisoners who made a daring escape from Letsitele police cells on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, were on trial for the gruesome murder of a teacher in Giyani.
The men – Patrick Mbombi, Thabo Moye Makgopa, and Javas Mongwe – are co-accused alongside Khensani Mahlaule, the wife of the victim, in the murder of Raymond Themba Mathebula.
Mathebula, also a teacher, was found murdered in a burned vehicle near the Constantia Mphagani Bridge on 15 June 2024.
According to police reports, the trio escaped custody around 05:35 AM, allegedly after overpowering and disarming two on-duty officers at the Letsitele police station.
They made off on foot with police-issued firearms, making them armed and extremely dangerous.
Their escape has triggered a massive manhunt, with police focusing their search in nearby farmlands within the Mopani District of Limpopo.
The accused were denied bail on 19 June 2025, due to the serious nature of the charges against them and the brutality of the crime.
They face a total of five charges each, including murder, armed robbery, and business robbery with firearms, linked to incidents in multiple districts.
The trial was scheduled to start on 19 January 2026 and continue until 30 January 2026 at the Polokwane High Court.
The police have since intensified patrols and search operations, and have issued a stern warning to members of the public not to approach the suspects under any circumstances.
“These individuals are armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone with information should contact authorities immediately,” said SAPS spokesperson.
Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to contact:Detective Commander Lt. Col Mavis Shilubane: 082 469 0900, Crime Stop: 08600 10111, MySAPS App
Or visit the nearest police station
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality as police continue their efforts to bring the fugitives to justice.
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