Four months after Matatiele jailbreak, SAPS, tracks down escapee with two pistols

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Alfred Ndzo District, Drakensburg Zone, has apprehended 25-year-old Thabo Naha, one of eight suspects who escaped from Afsondering Police Station in Matatiele on 4 April 2026.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Naha was arrested on 1 September 2026 following an intelligence-driven operation that also resulted in the recovery of two unlicensed firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition.
Gantana said members of the Maloti Detective Service, together with the Maloti Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) and Community Service Centre (CSC), acted on intelligence regarding Naha’s whereabouts.
“Members proceeded to a premises in Marikana Section, Motsekua Location, Ramohlakoana, where they located Naha in the company of another adult male,” said Gantana.
A search of the suspects resulted in the recovery of two pistols and ammunition.
Naha was found in possession of a 7.65mm pistol with a scratched serial number, fitted with a magazine and ammunition, as well as a 9mm pistol with an intact serial number, also fitted with a magazine and ammunition.
The second suspect was found in possession of .38 Special revolver ammunition.
Both suspects were immediately arrested.
Naha faces charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He will also face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody in connection with the Afsondering Police Station breakout on 4 April 2026.
The second suspect has been charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition.
With Naha’s apprehension, seven of the eight escapees involved in the 4 April breakout are now back in custody. The only remaining fugitive is Abraham Gobozi, who was initially arrested on a charge of rape at Afsondering SAPS.
District Commissioner Major General Nompumelelo Majikijela commended the police teams involved in the operation.
“The arrest of Thabo Naha and the recovery of these illegal firearms is a testament to the persistence and dedication of our members. We are systematically closing this chapter. To Abraham Gobozi, our message remains clear: there is nowhere left to run. We urge you to hand yourself over before we find you,” said Majikijela.
Gantana urged members of the public who may have information that could assist the investigation or help locate the outstanding escapee to contact the investigating team directly.
Sergeant Matabane can be contacted on 076 342 4033, while Constable Mantelefu can be reached on 073 109 7962.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Gantana.

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