Murder suspect escapes from psychiatric hospital
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday November 10, 2026 13:01
The suspect, identified as Osekile Tshepo Gabashe of Tsie Ward in Mokgomane, was reportedly admitted to the psychiatric facility on September 11, 2026, after being referred from Mabutsane Police Station. He is currently in custody facing a murder charge following the alleged killing of his uncle. Gabashe had previously been convicted and imprisoned for brutally assaulting the same uncle.
However, after completing his sentence and returning home, he allegedly killed him, leading to his subsequent arrest. He was later referred to Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital after being assessed as mentally unfit. Woodhall Police Station commander, Superintendent Goitsemang Sekgabo, confirmed the escape, saying police received a report after a nurse discovered that the suspect was missing from his ward during routine rounds. Sekgabo added investigations established that Gabashe had allegedly removed the steel window frame from the wall to facilitate his escape.
'He has literally removed the window frame from the wall, and we do not know what he used since he is believed not to have had any tool in his possession. 'At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a green hospital tracksuit. He is coffee-coloured in complexion, tall, and muscular,' he explained. Sekgabo warned members of the public against approaching the escapee, cautioning that he could pose a danger due to his mental condition.
Police have since intensified their search, particularly in Mokgomane, Lejwana, and Mabutsane, where the suspect is believed to have relatives. However, efforts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful. 'We plead with members of the public to alert the police immediately if they spot him and not to approach him because he could be dangerous due to his health condition,' Sekgabo added.