Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for Mahlaela Patrick, a 37-year-old serial rapist who escaped from lawful custody while attending court on Monday, 20 May 2024.
Mahlaela Patrick: Serial rapist is on the run in Limpopo
Patrick was in court facing charges of multiple rapes and robberies.
His escape has prompted a swift response from the authorities, with a dedicated team of senior detectives assigned to track him down.
Mahlaela Patrick is accused of four counts of rape and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
His charges stem from incidents that occurred in 2015 and 2016.
In 2015, at Seruleng village, and in 2016 at Byldrift, Patrick and three accomplices allegedly gang-raped three young women in the bushes.
These heinous crimes have marked him as a particularly dangerous individual, making his recent escape a significant concern for the community and law enforcement alike.
The details of the escape are still under investigation. The authorities are keen to understand how Patrick managed to flee and whether there was any assistance involved in his escape.
This information is crucial not only for his recapture but also for preventing future incidents.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has urged the public to assist in locating Patrick.
The police have made it clear that Patrick is dangerous and should not be approached by members of the community.
Instead, anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crime Stop or file a report at the nearest police station.