Murder suspects vanish from cells

TWO murder suspects mysteriously escaped from police holding cells at Msilahove Police Base where they were held in connection with a murder case which had occurred at a business centre in Silobela.

Sources said police at Msilahove Police Base moved in and arrested about six suspects who were drinking beer at Msilahove Business Centre after one of the imbibers, Thembelani Ndlovu was fatally assaulted during a beer brawl.

"Six suspects were picked by the police and were detained at Msilahove police base for questioning. The following morning, police discovered that two of the suspects had escaped and no one had an idea on how they managed to escape," said the source.

The source said the police did not bother to make a follow-up on the mysterious escapees after further investigations later revealed that the two escapees were not implicated in the murder of Ndlovu.

"It was also revealed during police investigations that all those who were picked up for questioning were not suspects. The suspects had already fled from the scene and they are still at large," said the source.

Police spokesperson for Midlands province Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the murder incident.

He, however, said he was unaware of the suspects who escaped from the police holding cells.

"I can confirm that police are investigating a murder case which occurred in Silobela. Police are keen to interview two suspects, Previous Ncube and Ntandoyenkosi Dhlodhlo who are on the run.

"We appeal to members of the public with information that might lead to the arrest of the two to approach any nearest police station," he said.