Prisoners escaped

Photo: SAPS

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

The two men are part of six, awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from a police van that was taking them to court in Vosloorus

Prisoners escaped

Photo: SAPS

The newfound freedom for two awaiting trial prisoners turned out to be quite shortlived as the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the men have been rearrested.

In a statement on Saturday morning, 15 January 2022, police said Nkululeko Nkomo and Robert Hlatshwayo, who were part of six men who escaped from prison transport, were caught on Friday evening, just hours after fleeing from authorities.

One more person was arrested for aiding and abetting.

“Yesterday evening, the team made a breakthrough when they rearrested Nkomo and Hlatswayo in Pretoria, Olivenhoutbosch at a filing station, corner of Summit Road and R55. The third suspect was also arrested and he will be charged with aiding and abetting,” says police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.

On Friday morning, the pair and four others – Thulani Dube, Augustine Moyo, Mbongiseni Mkandla and another prisoner, 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 at the corner of Barry Marais and Rondebult streets.

Five of them were due in court for a case of business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm. While the sixth escapee was due for his first appearance on a shoplifting case.

FOUR ESCAPEES STILL AT LARGE

It isn’t over just yet for police as four of the six prisoners are still on the loose and members of the public have once again been urged to be on the lookout. Gauteng’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended law enforcement for managing to recapture Nkomo and Hlatswayo as well as ordinary citizens for their assistance.

“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,”

Gauteng’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela

“We are appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escapees as well as the suspects that were involved in freeing the accused to kindly contact our Crime Stop number 08600 10111”

police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili