A manhunt is continuing in Limpopo for Tafara Zangarai, a 30-year-old Zimbabwean national who escaped from Waterval Police Station with another awaiting-trial prisoner after they cut through cell barriers.
Zangarai and 35-year-old Ndalamo Nemakhavhani escaped in the early hours of Thursday, 15 October, from the station in the Vhembe District. Police discovered they were missing during the morning, after an officer on routine patrol near the cells heard calls for help and went to investigate.
The two men had cut through burglar bars and iron grills above the cell balcony, police said. Both were being held in separate cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances reported at Waterval.
Nemakhavhani was recaptured on Friday, 16 October, at Chavani Village, at about 10:30. Police said information from community members helped officers find him. He is expected to appear at Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October.
Zangarai remains at large. Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Petrus Scheepers ordered an intensive operation to locate him and directed that the circumstances surrounding the escape be investigated.
“We have mobilised all resources to ensure these suspects are brought back into custody. I am calling on communities to work with us and provide any information that may lead to their re-arrest,” Scheepers said.
Police have cautioned the public not to approach Zangarai or attempt to arrest him. Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Sergeant Siema Luvhani on 079 139 9903, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, use the MySAPS App, or report to a nearby police station.
Earlier escapes involving Zimbabwean prisoners
The Waterval escape comes after a series of cases in which Zimbabwean prisoners have escaped from custody in South Africa. In the earlier cases, police were searching for detainees who escaped either from a correctional facility or while being transported in police vehicles.
On 14 January 2022, six inmates escaped while being transported to court at Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni. Police said three armed men in a silver vehicle ambushed the prison truck at the intersection of Barry Marais and Rondebult streets. Five of the escapees were Zimbabwean nationals and were due in court in a Dawnpark business-robbery case involving charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The sixth prisoner was facing a shoplifting case and was due to make his first court appearance. The police manhunt followed the attack on the vehicle.
Later that year, seven inmates escaped from Grahamstown Correctional Facility in the Eastern Cape in the early hours of 18 October. All seven were Zimbabwean nationals and were charged with rhino poaching. They were identified as Nhamo Muyambo, Francis Chito, Trymore Chauke, Luvuyo September, Abraham Moyane, Simba Masinge and Bennet Kwamile. The Department of Correctional Services appealed for information that could lead to their return to custody.
“The DCS is appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the re-arrest of the seven. We consider them to be extremely dangerous and when spotted we urge the public to contact the nearest police station as apprehending them might become dangerous. The images of the seven will be shared during the day. Any information may assist, it is urgent we get the seven behind bars.”
In March 2023, six Zimbabwean awaiting-trial prisoners escaped after armed men attacked a police vehicle transporting them near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo. The attack took place on 13 March along the Vivo road, near the first Schoemansdal turn-off. Police said the attackers shot at the officers, freed the detainees and drove away with them in a grey Mercedes-Benz and a white Toyota bakkie.
The six men were named as Forward Shumba, 26, Shingirai Nyandome, 32, Brilliant Sibanda, 26, Erick Sithole, 35, Moses Zambara, 32, and Alex Nkomo, 35. Five were facing charges that included aggravated robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The sixth was being held in a cable-theft case. Police mobilised resources, including the air wing, to search for the prisoners and the armed group involved in the attack. Members of the public were warned not to approach the suspects.
Search continues in Vhembe
The latest search is focused on Zangarai, the only escapee still being sought in the Waterval case. Police have urged residents to share information with investigators rather than confront him. Scheepers has also thanked community members whose information led to Nemakhavhani’s arrest, and urged the public to continue assisting the operation.
The escape was discovered after an officer responded to calls from near the cells during a routine patrol. Police have ordered an investigation into how the prisoners cut through the barriers and left the station. The operation to find Zangarai remains active.
Anyone who sees him or has information that could help locate him should avoid approaching him and contact police through the channels listed above.