Convicted Mozambican Murderer Arrested in Sandton After Prison Escape

Nelson Simiao Massango, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Mozambican prison, was arrested in Sandton, Johannesburg. His escape was part of a larger incident involving over 1,500 prisoners during civil unrest. The South African Police Service is investigating his involvement in thefts of vehicles smuggled into Mozambique, with collaboration from Interpol and other agencies.

A convicted Mozambican murderer, Nelson Simiao Massango, was apprehended at a car dealership in Sandton, Johannesburg. He is one of the 1,500 prisoners who escaped from the Maputo Maximum prison during violent protests on Christmas Day last year. Police chief Bernardino Rafael noted that the escape occurred amid civil unrest that involved an attack on a government building and police property.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a police spokesperson, confirmed that the Saps Border Policing High Density Team has actively tracked down individuals who may have crossed into South Africa following the escape. Massango had been serving a 20-year sentence for murder, following his conviction in 2015, and is now under investigation for potential links to motor vehicle thefts in Gauteng as he allegedly rented vehicles to smuggle them into Mozambique.

Mathe further stated that Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Pretoria is in contact with its counterpart in Maputo regarding the developments. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, praised the efforts of the police team, emphasizing that South Africa should not be viewed as a refuge for criminals.

In related incidents, two other suspected escapees were arrested in January in Malelane, Mpumalanga. The arrests were made after security officials questioned their documentation for being in South Africa. Preliminary investigations have linked them to the mass prison escape in Mozambique. Various agencies, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Hawks, and Interpol, are collaborating on these cases.

The arrest of Nelson Simiao Massango highlights ongoing efforts by South African authorities to apprehend escaped prisoners from Mozambique. The incident has prompted a concerted response from law enforcement agencies, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to not serve as a sanctuary for criminals. Furthermore, the cooperation with international bodies like Interpol illustrates the seriousness with which these issues are being addressed.

Original Source: www.citizen.co.za