Murder accused rearrested after escape during Maganeng Clinic visit

A man accused of murder was rearrested after escaping from police custody during a clinic visit in the North West and fleeing into nearby bushes, police said.

Escape during medical visit

North West police say Tshepo Lobelo was one of four detainees taken from Pudimoe Police Station to Maganeng Clinic for medical treatment on Tuesday. Upon arrival at about 10:50am, Lobelo allegedly escaped from police custody and fled into nearby bushes.

Search and rearrest

Police launched a search operation and invoked the 72-Hour Activation Plan.

“A search operation was immediately launched, and the 72-Hour Activation Plan was invoked.”

A multidisciplinary team made up of various South African Police Service units and specialised resources was mobilised to trace Lobelo.

“At approximately 19:45 on the same day, the team rearrested Lobelo.”

Charges, court date and investigations

Lobelo had been arrested in connection with a 2024 murder. At the time of his escape the matter had been remanded to 7 December. He will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody and is expected to appear before the Pudimoe Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Police said investigations into the escape are ongoing.

“The circumstances surrounding the escape from custody will be investigated, including the circumstances relating to the transportation, restraint and supervision of the detainee.”

Police response

North West provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams praised the team involved in the operation.

“An escape from lawful custody is a serious matter, and every effort will be made to ensure that those who attempt to evade the justice system are brought back to face the full might of the law.”

“We commend all the members who worked tirelessly to ensure that the escapee was rearrested within hours,” Adams added.