POLICE have recaptured two murder suspects who broke free while being moved to a prison near Kuruman in the Northern Cape.
The men are now back in custody after a three-day manhunt.
The breakout happened on Monday, 4 May 2026, sparking a 72-hour search involving SAPS officers, public order police, community policing forums and private security companies.
Police identified the escapees as Oratile Theophilas Ntwagae (28), charged for murder and kidnapping, and Kabelo Edward Masilo (22), a Lesotho national facing murder and immigration charges.
Northern Cape police spokeswoman Cherelle Ehlers said police worked day and night to find and rearrest the duo.
Ntwagae was found in Bathlaros just before midnight on Tuesday, 5 May after police were tipped off about where he was hiding.
"Upon observing the police, he attempted to flee, but was successfully apprehended and re-arrested," said Ehlers.
Masilo stayed on the run until Wednesday evening, 6 May, when police teams found him in Skerma Village.
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Ehlers said a team led by Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi from Mothibistad worked with crime prevention officers and private security to search from morning to evening.
"Their co-ordinated and focused efforts resulted in locating Masilo in Skerma Village where he'd been hiding. He attempted to flee, but was successfully apprehended and re-arrested," she said.
John Taolo Gaetsewe acting district commissioner Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi praised the police and private security for their quick work in catching both escaped prisoners.
