A Daring Escape: Handcuffed Prisoner Flees Tzaneen Police Station Barefoot

Limpopo police have launched an urgent manhunt for a 20-year-old awaiting-trial prisoner who managed to escape from lawful custody at the Tzaneen police station on Fridaywhile still handcuffed and barefoot.

The suspect, Leonard Letswalo, was arrested on Thursday for unlawful possession of ammunition. According to police, he made his escape at approximately 11 am on Friday while being formally charged inside the station.

Escape Under Restraint

In a brazen display, Letswalo fled the police station on foot with his hands still cuffed in front of him. Despite immediate searches in the Tzaneen CBD, the Ritavi River area, and his home village of Lephephane, authorities have been unable to trace him.

Description and Appeal to the Public

Letswalo is described as short and slender, approximately 1.58m tall, light in complexion, with a beard and a brush-cut hairstyle. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a black short, a blue hoodie, and was barefoot.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba urged the public to assist but warned against approaching the suspect. “Police are appealing to members of the public not to approach the suspect but to immediately report any information regarding his whereabouts to the nearest police station,” Ledwaba stated.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Themba Ngobeni on 079 298 9609, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.

The escape raises serious questions about security protocols at the station, as investigations into how a handcuffed man could bolt from police custody continue. For now, the focus remains on tracking down a fugitive whose dash for freedom began with no shoes on his feet and steel around his wrists.

{Source: IOL}

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