The Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt after six suspects escaped from lawful custody at the Lydenburg Police Station in the early hours of today, Saturday 29 November 2025. One #escapee, Clayton Flank, has been rearrested following a community #TipOff. He was arrested near a sports ground in Kellysville at Lydenburg at approximately 04:00 on Sunday 30 November 2025.
Clayton Flank will be charged with escape from lawful custody and he is expected to appear at the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 01 December 2025.
The discovery of the escape was made during a routine camp inspection by the Police at about 02:30 on Saturday 29 November 2025, when the officers noticed a leaking water pipe outside one of the holding cells. Upon further inspection, Police discovered a hole in the wall. Members also established that there was a structural damage and the six suspects had escaped.
The following suspects are the ones that are at large and are being sought by the Police:
– Fana Fenyane
– Isaac Malope
– Sergio Mandoza (Mozambican National)
– Francisco Vasco Maganja (Mozambican National)
– France Malatjie
– Clayton Flank – rearrested
The suspects were arrested on various charges including murder, rape, possession of unlicensed firearm as well malicious damage to property.
A manhunt has been launched to track down and re-arrest the suspects.
The police are still appealing to the community to assist in locating the remaining five suspects. Anyone with information can contact the Detective Branch Commander of Lydenburg SAPS on 076 060 0273, call #CrimeStop on 08600 10111, or use the #MySAPSApp.
