24 Nov 2014

Tshane police, together with the department of prison services, have launched a manhunt for two prison inmates who escaped from Tshane Prisons on November 19.

Senior Superintendent Masilo Motswiri, said Benni Cooper and Sale Molelo, the two escapees both aged 50, originated from Zutswa settlement in the Kgalgadi District.

Senior Superintendent Motswiri said the duo was reported missing from prison after failing to attend a routine roll call.  “Even though the investigations are at a premature state, it is alleged that the two had gone for ternary practicals within the prison but never returned for the roll call sessions,” he said. 

He said Cooper was convicted for crimes ranging from cross boarder stock theft, rape and poaching,  while Molelo was convicted for stock theft.

He therefore pleaded with the public to be vigilant of the two men as thy might be a danger to the community. He further urged them to assist the police with any information that could lead to the arrest of the two inmates.

Senior Superintendent Motswiri also encouraged residents of Kgalagadi to comply with the law during the upcoming festive season, adding that Kgalagadi was generally not notorious for serious crimes. 

He emphasized the importance of community policing and neighbourhood watch during the festive season, adding that cluster policing would be of great benefit in reducing the crime rate in the region as communities would be entirely involved in fighting crime. 

“Cluster policing is good because it involves community members working as groups to identify the main criminal acts and work hand in hand with the police to strategize ways of fighting them,” he said. ENDS