Three men accused of murder who allegedly escaped from police custody in Limpopo are expected to be extradited from Mozambique, after failing to appear in the Polokwane High Court on Monday, 19 January 2026.

Court Appearance Missed as Only One Accused Arrives

Patrick Javas Mongwe (49), Patrick Mabono Mbhombi (39), Thabo Moye Makgoga (24) and Khensani Mathebula (32) were scheduled to appear in court this week.

Only Mathebula appeared. The other three were absent after allegedly escaping from Ritavi police custody in June 2025 and fleeing to Mozambique.

Allegations Linked to Husband’s Murder

Mathebula is the wife of the late Themba Reymond Mathebula. She is accused of hiring the other three accused to murder him, with a promise of payment for carrying out the crime, according to a statement attributed to the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Mashudu Malabi.

The alleged murder plot dates back to June 2024. It is claimed the accused entered the deceased’s home while he was asleep, forced him out and placed him in his motor vehicle.

They allegedly drove to Constantia Road where the vehicle was stopped under a bridge. The court heard allegations that the accused then set the vehicle alight while the deceased was inside.

Extradition Process Underway

The case has been postponed to 4 August 2026 to allow the extradition process to be finalized.

Police previously launched a manhunt on 24 June 2025 after the three men allegedly overpowered officers on duty and fled on foot. At the time, they were described as dangerous and armed.