SANDF soldier arrested for helping prisoners escape in Makhado

One of the suspects is a member of the South African National Defence Force.

The other suspect is a brother of one of the suspects who escaped on Monday.

The police van was on route from Makhado Correctional Centre to Senwabarwana when it came under attack from a group of heavily armed men..

"The team followed up on information received about the suspects and arrested a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national, who is believed to be the brother of one of the escapees, and a member of the SANDF,” said police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo.

"The suspects were arrested in Musina and the two motor vehicles that they used in the commission of crime, a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota bakkie, were also found during the arrest and confiscated."

The suspects Kedibone Langa (38) and Thabani Sibanda (28) appeared in Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court on Wednesday and were remanded in custody until 22 March.

They are facing various charges ranging from aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit crime, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property and discharging of a firearm.

The escapees, who are all Zimbabwean nationals, are still at large.

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