Mozambican Fugitive Arrested in Sandton Amid Vehicle Theft Investigations
Nelson Simiao Massango, a convicted murderer who escaped from Maputo Maximum Prison, was arrested in Sandton. The escape occurred during unrest in Mozambique that led to over 1,500 inmates fleeing. Investigations link him to vehicle thefts in Gauteng. SAPS warns that South Africa is not a safe place for criminals.
A Mozambican fugitive convicted of murder has been apprehended in Sandton, Johannesburg, following his escape from Maputo Maximum prison during recent civil unrest. His escape was part of a mass breakout involving over 1,500 prisoners on Christmas Day, which occurred amid national protests that led to significant unrest.
The fugitive, Nelson Simiao Massango, had been serving a 20-year sentence for murder since 2015. He was captured at a car rental dealership in Sandton, where subsequent investigations revealed possible links to a series of vehicle thefts in Gauteng. It is alleged that he rented 4×4 vehicles, smuggled them into Mozambique, and resold them.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) Border Policing High Density Team has dedicated efforts to tracking fugitives entering South Africa. In light of this arrest, General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, underscored that South Africa will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.
In a related context, in January, two additional Mozambican suspects linked to the escape were arrested in Malelane, Mpumalanga. These individuals were detained for lacking documentation, and preliminary investigations indicated their connection to the recent prison break in Mozambique. SAPS continues to collaborate with various governmental agencies and Interpol following these developments.
The arrest of Nelson Simiao Massango highlights the ongoing efforts of South African authorities to address criminal activities and prevent fugitives from exploiting the nation’s borders. The SAPS remains vigilant in tracking escaped prisoners, emphasizing that criminal individuals should not consider South Africa as a refuge. Additionally, collaboration with international agencies and local security forces continues to play a crucial role in managing such threats to public safety.
Original Source: www.citizen.co.za
