20 awaiting trial prisoners escape police custody
It’s understood the truck the prisoners were travelling in was ambushed by a group of armed men near the Southgate train station on Tuesday.
JOHANNESBURG - Its emerged 20 prisoners awaiting trial prisoners have escaped police custody while being transported to the Johannesburg "Sun City" prison.
It’s understood the truck the prisoners were travelling in was ambushed by a group of armed men near the Southgate train station on Tuesday.
Police are now investigating how the men came to learn information on the truck's itinerary.
Spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini said: “They broke the lock and opened for the prisoners. One of the prisoners was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment after he was convicted of an armed robbery. The other awaiting prisoners were charged with various crimes including armed robbery, house breaking and theft and possession of drugs.”
RT #sapGP JHB: #SAPS launch manhunt for 20 prisoners who #escaped on 22/08 while enroute to Correctional Services MEhttps://t.co/sBFPeATSZg pic.twitter.com/t6mYiOZ4py
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2017
(Edited by Zinhle Nkosi)