By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN – A murder suspect who allegedly evaded justice for nearly two decades has finally been arrested, bringing a dramatic breakthrough in a case that has haunted Free State investigators for years.
Patrick Machuto (49), wanted in connection with a 2007 murder and robbery in Kopanong, was arrested in Lehurutse, North West, where he had appeared in court on an unrelated assault charge.
Free State police confirmed that Machuto had been a fugitive since 2015 after failing to appear in court to face the murder and robbery charges.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said a determined intelligence-driven operation led detectives to the suspect after months of tracking his movements.
He said members of the Provincial Operational Intelligence Tracking and Tracing Team travelled to North West earlier this month after confirming Machuto’s last known address, but he was nowhere to be found.
“Our investigators established that he had recently been arrested on a separate assault charge in Lehurutse and was expected to return to court later that month. Operational plans were immediately put in place with the local investigating officer to monitor the court roll and alert the team when the suspect appeared,” Kareli said.
On July 21, investigators received confirmation that Machuto had arrived at court. Officers from the Free State immediately travelled from Bloemfontein and executed the long-standing warrant of arrest, ending his years as a fugitive.
The arrest has been hailed by Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, who praised the officers for their persistence, intelligence gathering and seamless cooperation across provincial borders.
Lesia said the successful operation sends a clear warning to fugitives that they cannot outrun the law indefinitely.
“The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but criminals cannot hide forever,” he said.
Machuto is expected to be transferred to the Free State, where he will appear in court to face the outstanding murder and robbery charges.
