Police request public assistance to locate escaped prisoners in Northern Cape

Police in the Northern Cape seek assistance from the public in tracing two prisoners who escaped from lawful custody on Monday, May 4.

The suspects escaped from lawful custody in Kuruman at approximately 4.20pm. 

The escaped suspects, Oratile Theophilas Ntwagae, 28, a South African national, faces charges of murder and kidnapping, and Kabelo Edward Masilo, 22, a Lesotho national, faces charges of murder as well as contravention of the Immigration Act. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, said the suspects were being transported to the correctional facility when they escaped. 

“A 72-hour activation plan has been activated, and a multi-disciplinary team comprising  of Mothibistad SAPS, Kuruman Public Order Policing (POP) members, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and private security, has been deployed to assist in the search and re-arrest of the escapees,” Ehlers said. 

Police urge members of the public not to approach the suspects, as they may be dangerous. 

Police have also confirmed that an investigation into the escape of the two suspects will be conducted internally to determine if any negligence resulted in the escape of the prisoners. 

Anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspects is requested to immediately contact their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, Captain Makoloi can be contacted at 082 373 9947 or Captain Lechwiti at 082 374 0392. 

[email protected]

IOL