Nelson Simiao Massango, a convicted murderer who escaped from Maputo Maximum prison during unrest, was arrested in Sandton. He is linked to vehicle thefts as he smuggled stolen vehicles back to Mozambique. Police commend efforts in tracking down escapees, emphasizing that South Africa is not a refuge for criminals.
Mozambican fugitive Nelson Simiao Massango, a convicted murderer, has been apprehended in Sandton, near Johannesburg. He is one of the over 1,500 inmates who escaped from the Maputo Maximum prison amid recent unrest following national elections. Police chief Bernardino Rafael confirmed that the escape occurred during protests that involved vandalism of government and police property, facilitating the mass breakout.
The South African Border Policing High Density Team effectively tracked Massango, who, following his 2015 conviction for murder, was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. Massango’s arrest took place at a car hire dealership in Sandton, where investigations indicated he may also be linked to multiple vehicle thefts. Reports suggest he rented vehicles, particularly 4×4 bakkies, which he smuggled into Mozambique for resale.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe noted the collaboration between Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Pretoria and their counterpart in Maputo regarding this arrest. General Fannie Masemola of the South African Police Service praised the Border Policing High Density Team’s efforts in apprehending the fugitive and emphasized that South Africa will not serve as a refuge for criminals.
This incident follows the arrest of two suspected Mozambican escapees in Mpumalanga earlier this year, highlighting ongoing law enforcement vigilance in the face of the Mozambique prison breakout. Local police, alongside various national and international agencies such as Interpol, are actively addressing the fallout from these developments and ensuring public safety.
In summary, Nelson Simiao Massango’s arrest highlights the successful tracking efforts of the South African police in light of the massive prison escape in Mozambique. This apprehension serves as a warning to criminals that South Africa will not offer them sanctuary. The collaboration among law enforcement agencies exemplifies a commitment to public safety and international cooperation in combating crime.
Original Source: www.citizen.co.za
