A convicted murderer who escaped from Mozambique’s Maputo Maximum Security Prison has been arrested in Sandton, bringing an end to his months on the run.

• The fugitive, identified as Nelson Simiao Massango, was among more than 1’500 prisoners who escaped from the facility during widespread unrest in December 2024.
• Nelson Simiao Massango had been convicted of murder in 2015 and was serving a minimum 20-year sentence before making his dramatic escape.
• The arrest took place at a car hire dealership in Sandton.
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The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, praised the SAPS Border Policing High-Density Team for their efforts in tracking down and capturing Nelson Simiao Massango. His escape from the high-security prison in Mozambique sent waves through law enforcement agencies, prompting a multi-agency effort to prevent criminals from using South Africa as a refuge.

Further investigation revealed that Nelson Simiao Massango may have been involved in a vehicle smuggling operation, renting 4×4 bakkies in South Africa and transporting them across the border into Mozambique for resale. This type of criminal enterprise has been a growing issue, with syndicates taking advantage of cross-border loopholes to facilitate stolen vehicle trafficking.

Authorities have confirmed that INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria is in contact with its counterpart in Maputo to coordinate next steps regarding Nelson Simiao Massango. The collaborative effort between South African law enforcement and international crime agencies underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling fugitive criminals.

General Fannie Masemola emphasised that Nelson Simiao Massango’s arrest should serve as a stern warning to criminals who believe they can find sanctuary in South Africa.

The successful capture of Nelson Simiao Massango is a major victory for SAPS and border control units, reinforcing their commitment to cracking down on international criminal activities. The focus now shifts to ensuring that other escapees who may have entered South Africa are tracked down and brought to justice.

With INTERPOL and Mozambican authorities closely monitoring the situation, Nelson Simiao Massango’s case could pave the way for stronger collaboration between regional law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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