Escaped Mozambican murderer re-arrested in Sandton

SAPS have re-arrested one of the more than 1500 prisoners who escaped from Maputo Maximum Prison on Christmas Day 2024.

Handcuffs. Image: iStock

South African police have re-arrested Nelson Simiao Massango, one of the more than 1500 prisoners who escaped from Maputo Maximum Prison on Christmas Day 2024. On Tuesday, authorities apprehended him at a car hire dealership in Sandton, Gauteng.

Massango, convicted of murder in 2015 and sentenced to at least 20 years, fled during unrest in Mozambique sparked by disputes over election results. His escape raised security concerns across the region, prompting a coordinated effort to track down the fugitives.

Murderer also suspected to be involved in vehicle smuggling operation

Investigations suggest Massango may be involved in a vehicle smuggling syndicate between South Africa and Mozambique. Also, authorities suspect he rented 4×4 bakkies in Gauteng, smuggled them across the border, and sold them illegally.

“INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria is engaging INTERPOL NCB Maputo on the latest developments,” said SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.

Furthermore, the arrest highlights ongoing cross-border criminal activity and law enforcement’s challenges in preventing fugitives from using South Africa as a haven.

SAPS Warns Criminals Seeking Refuge

National Commissioner of Police Fannie Masemola praised the SAPS Border Policing High-Density Team for tracking down Massango. He emphasised that South Africa will not tolerate criminals hiding within its borders.

“The SAPS Border Policing High-Density Team has been hard at work in ensuring they track and trace those that may have made their way into South Africa,” said Mathe.

Meanwhile, the Mozambican government has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to assist in capturing the remaining fugitives, many of whom were serving sentences between 17 and 25 years.