One Suspect Re-Arrested After Lydenburg Escape

Mpumalanga police have re-arrested one of the six suspects who escaped from the Lydenburg Police Station in the early hours of Saturday, while five others remain on the run.

According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the suspect, Clayton Flank, was apprehended at around 4am on Sunday near a sports ground in Ellisville, Lydenburg. His arrest followed a tip-off from community members. Flank, who now faces an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, is expected to appear in the Mashishing Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 1 December 2025.

Police discovered the escape at approximately 2am during a routine inspection. Officers first noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the holding cells. On closer examination, they found a hole in the wall and further structural damage, indicating that the six detainees had used it to break out.

The suspects still at large have been identified as:

• Fana Fenyane
• Isaac Malope
• Sergio Mandoza (Mozambican national)
• Francisco Vasco Maganja (Mozambican national)
• France Malatjie

The men were being held on serious charges, including murder, rape, possession of an unlicensed firearm and malicious damage to property.

Police have urged the public to assist in tracing the fugitives but warned residents not to approach them, as they are considered dangerous. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop.