The suspects were arrested within the 72-hour activation period.
Image: SAPS
Police in the Northern Cape have confirmed the successful recapture of two dangerous suspects, Oratile Theophilas Ntwagae and Kabelo Edward Masilo, following their escape from lawful custody in Kuruman on Monday, May 4.
Both men, who face serious charges including murder, were apprehended within 72 hours following an intensive multi-disciplinary manhunt involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security teams.
The suspects escaped from lawful custody in Kuruman at approximately 4.20pm. The escaped suspects, Oratile Theophilas Ntwagae, 28, a South African national, faces charges of murder and kidnapping, and Kabelo Edward Masilo, 22, a Lesotho national, faces charges of murder as well as contravention of the Immigration Act.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, said the suspects were being transported to the correctional facility when they escaped.
“A 72-hour activation plan was activated, and a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Mothibistad SAPS, Kuruman Public Order Policing (POP) members, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and private security, has been deployed to assist in the search and re-arrest of the escapees,” Ehlers said.
On Wednesday, shortly before midnight, a team received information that led them to Bathlaros.
“This was where Oratile Ntwagae was reportedly hiding. Upon observing the police, he attempted to flee, but was successfully apprehended and rearrested,” Ehlers said.
At the time, Masilo was still at large. However, by Thursday morning, police confirmed Masilo's recapture.
“A team comprising of members from crime prevention and a private security company, led by Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi from Mothibistad, was conducting tracing operations from 10am until 7pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as part of the 72-hour activation plan that was initiated after the escape. Their coordinated and focused efforts resulted in locating Masilo in Skerma Village, where he had been hiding. He attempted to flee, but was successfully apprehended and rearrested,” Ehlers said.
The John Taolo Gaetsewe Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, praised the team for their tireless efforts that led to the successful arrest of the escaped prisoners. Additionally, he acknowledged the exceptional collaboration between SAPS and private security.
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