Mpumalanga prison break exposes police security failures

A manhunt is under way after six suspects escaped from the Lydenburg Police Station holding cells, raising renewed concerns about basic SAPS security. Officers reportedly discovered the breakout during a routine inspection, finding that the men had exploited a leaking water pipe and dug through a wall before fleeing. One escapee has since been rearrested.

The fugitives face serious charges, including murder, rape, and unlawful firearm possession. Police have released images of four remaining escapees and appealed to the public for assistance. The incident has intensified scrutiny of station level infrastructure and supervision, with experts warning that repeated breaches point to deeper failures in SAPS maintenance and oversight.