Prisoners escaped

Photo: SAPS

UPDATE: Third escaped prisoner surrenders – three still at large

Six awaiting trial prisoners escaped from a police van that was taking them to court in Vosloorus, but some have been recaptured

Prisoners escaped

Photo: SAPS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the third prisoner who had escaped from a police van, has handed himself over and subsequently appeared in court.

SAPS spokesperson Brenda Muridili says Bafeletse Nyembe appeared before the Vosloorus Magistrates Court on Monday, 17 January 2022, on a charge of theft as well as an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

“Today, 17 January 2022, the third escapee, Bafeletse Nyembe, handed himself over to the Vosloorus Magistrates Court. This after he has been on the run from the police since his escape from lawful custody on Friday, 14 January 2022 in Boksburg”

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili

On Friday, 14 January 2022, six awaiting trial prisoners – Nkululeko Nkomo, Robert Hlatshwayo, Thulani Dube, Augustine Moyo, Mbongiseni Mkandla and Nyembe – were being transported to court in Vosloorus in a police van, when the vehicle was ambushed by three armed men driving a silver Audi vehicle.

Authorities confirmed that Nkomo and Hlatshwayo were found and rearrested just hours into their newfound freedom. SAPS said another man who was found with the pair was subsequently handcuffed for aiding and abetting.

MANHUNT CONTINUES FOR REMAINING ESCAPEES

The search for the remaining escapees is still underway and members of the public have been encouraged to reach out, should they have any information on their whereabouts.

In addition, Nkomo and Hlatshwayo appeared back in the dock on the same day as Nyembe for business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm. Their not-so-sweet escape earned them another charge – escaping from lawful custody.

Muridili says the pair have been remanded in custody and are due in court again on 27 January 2022.

Gauteng’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended law enforcement for efforts to haul the escapees back to prison and says they will not rest until they have all been recaptured.

“The public as our eyes and ears in the communities is playing a vital role in the fight against crime. Your tip-offs are all assessed and followed up to ensure that we do not leave any stone unturned in our quest to bring all the escapees back to prison,” Mawela says.

ALSO READ: Update: Two escaped prisoners REARRESTED – four still on the loose