DCS: Inmates who kidnapped baby escaped through hole in fence

The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed to The South African that the inmates who escaped from Leeuwkop Prison in Sandton, had managed to flee from the facility through a hole they had created in a fence surrounding the centre’s courtyard.

After their escape, the convicts’ first order of business was robbing a house in Fourways and kidnapping a four-month-old baby girl from the same home.

“A domestic worker saw them from inside and locked the back door. It is alleged that the suspects kicked the door down, as well as a second door inside the house. They robbed money from the lady of the house and kidnapped her daughter aged four and half months,” said JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minaar.

Things soon went downhill for the escaped prisoners: They hijacked a White Toyota double cab in Fourways and sped off with the baby. They drove towards Diepsloot with another vehicle chasing behind and ended up landing in a ditch.

It wasn’t too long afterwards that the pair was rearrested and detained at the Diepsloot Police Station. The baby’s father then took her to Fourways Hospital where she was to undergo some medical evaluations

Correctional Services investigate security breach

The Department of Correctional Services’ spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said they are now being investigated and that the pair, serving sentences for rape, robbery and murder, could soon find themselves spending more time behind bars.

This is because the crimes they allegedly committed during their escape, are now under investigation.

“They are back in custody and the case is being investigated. Remember there are reports that they committed other offences while they were on the loose yesterday. So we are working together with the South African Police Service”

The Department of Correctional Services’ spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo

Nxumalo added that the pair have been moved to another section of the prison.

“The department of correctional services (DCS) is investigating a gross security breach. Although the two inmates are back in custody, DCS is seriously disturbed by the incident and will ensure the investigation leaves no stone unturned,” he said.