Mashishing (Formerly Lydenburg) – One of the six awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from the police holding cells in Mashishing, Mpumalanga, has been rearrested.
The six awaiting trial prisoners made a daring escape through a hole on Saturday, 29 November 2025.
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said 37-year-old Clayton Flank has been rearrested and hauled before the appeared in the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court.
The escapee was rearrested in Kellisville, near Mashishing, on Sunday, 30 November 2025, after a tip-off.
Flank appeared in court on Monday, 1 December 2025, facing an additional charge related to escaping from lawful custody.
The case was adjourned to next Monday, 8 December 2025, and the accused was remanded in custody.
Police spokesperson Nonyane-Mpe identified the rest of the escapees as Isaac Malope, Fana Fanyane, France Malatjie, Sergio Mandoza, and Francisco Vasco Maganja.
Mandoza and Maganja are Mozambicans.
Nonyane-Mpe revealed that the suspects were facing serious charges, ranging from murder, rape, possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition, to malicious damage to property.
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said a preliminary report indicated that the accused escaped from the holding cells in the early hours of the morning through a hole in the hall.
“The discovery was made during a routine camp inspection by the police around 02h30 am when the officers noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the holding cells,” the police spokesperson said.
“Upon further inspection, the police discovered a hole in the wall.
“Members also established that there was structural damage and the six suspects had escaped.”
Nonyane-Mpe added: “One of the six suspects who escaped from lawful custody has been re-arrested after receiving a tip-off from the community.
“He was arrested near a sports ground in Kellisville around 04:00. He remained in custody for further investigation.”
Captain Nonyane-Mpe said the police requested assistance from community members about the whereabouts of the suspects and further cautioned them to approach the perpetrators for safety purposes.
“A manhunt has been launched to track down and re-arrest the remaining suspects,” stated Nonyane-Mpe.
“The police are still appealing to the community to assist in locating the remaining suspects.
“All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escapees is urged to call the national police toll-free number 08600 10111 or contact the detective branch commander at Lydenburg SAPS on 076 060 0273.
