Mozambican Prisoner
By Lerato Mpembe
One of the more than 1,500 prisoners who escaped from Maputo Maximum Prison on Christmas Day 2024 has been re-arrested in Sandton, Gauteng. The suspect, identified as Nelson Simiao Massango, was apprehended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Tuesday, marking a significant step in curbing cross-border crime following a mass prison break in Mozambique late last year.
From Murder Conviction to Daring Escape
Nelson Simiao Massango, convicted of murder in 2015, was serving a minimum 20-year sentence at Mozambique’s Maputo Maximum Prison when he escaped during widespread unrest linked to contested election results in December 2024. The breakout saw over 1,500 inmates flee, with many considered highly dangerous due to their lengthy sentences for serious crimes. Massango’s recapture in South Africa highlights the regional security challenges posed by the incident.
According to SAPS, Massango was detained at a car hire dealership in Sandton on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest he didn’t waste time resuming criminal activities after crossing the border. Authorities believe he may be connected to a syndicate involved in multiple motor vehicle thefts across Gauteng. “Further investigations suggest he may be linked to multiple motor vehicle thefts in Gauteng, where he allegedly rented 4×4 bakkies, smuggled them into Mozambique, and sold them,” SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe revealed in a statement.
SAPS and INTERPOL Collaboration
Massango’s arrest is a testament to the vigilance of the SAPS Border Policing High Density Team, which has been tracking fugitives believed to have entered South Africa following the prison break. National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola praised the unit’s efforts, stating, “The SAPS Border Policing High Density Team has been hard at work in ensuring they track and trace those that may have made their way into South Africa.” Masemola reiterated a firm stance against South Africa becoming a safe haven for criminals, adding, “South Africa will not tolerate criminals hiding within its borders.”
The operation also involved international cooperation, with INTERPOL playing a key role. “INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria is engaging INTERPOL NCB Maputo on the latest developments,” Mathe confirmed. This collaboration underscores the urgency of addressing the fallout from the Maputo escape, as many of the remaining fugitives—serving sentences ranging from 17 to 25 years—pose a continued threat to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Regional Response to Mass Prison Break
The Mozambican government has appealed to SADC countries for assistance in recapturing the escaped prisoners, a call that has gained traction as fugitives like Massango surface beyond Mozambique’s borders. Reports from TimesLIVE on 12 March 2025 noted that the escape was one of the largest in the region’s history, triggered by violent protests over election irregularities. The chaos allowed inmates, including Massango, to flee the heavily guarded facility.
In South Africa, Massango’s arrest has sparked discussions about border security and the need for stronger regional law enforcement partnerships. According to News24, SAPS has intensified patrols along the Mozambique-South Africa border since January, apprehending dozens of suspected escapees. However, with over 1,400 prisoners still at large, the task remains daunting.
Alleged Crime Spree in Gauteng
Massango’s activities in Gauteng paint a picture of a calculated criminal operation. Police allege he exploited car hire services, renting 4×4 bakkies—vehicles prized for their durability and resale value—before smuggling them into Mozambique for profit. This scheme aligns with a growing trend of vehicle theft syndicates operating across southern Africa, a concern highlighted by IOL in a recent report on cross-border crime.
The suspect’s arrest at a Sandton dealership followed a tip-off, though SAPS has not disclosed how they initially traced him. Images circulating on X show a man in handcuffs, widely believed to be Massango, underscoring public interest in the case. “Another one caught! Good job SAPS,” posted one user, reflecting community support for the police efforts.
What Happens Next?
Massango is expected to appear in a Gauteng magistrate’s court soon, facing charges related to motor vehicle theft and potentially extradition proceedings to Mozambique for his original murder conviction. SAPS and INTERPOL are working to confirm his identity and establish the full scope of his criminal network. Meanwhile, the Mozambican authorities continue their manhunt for the remaining escapees, with SADC leaders scheduled to discuss the crisis at an upcoming summit, as reported by SABC News on 13 March 2025.
General Masemola has vowed that SAPS will maintain its high-density operations to prevent South Africa from becoming a refuge for fugitives. “We are sending a clear message: there’s no place to hide,” he said. For now, Massango’s arrest offers a glimmer of hope amid a regional security challenge that shows no signs of abating.
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