Johannesburg - Two police officers have been arrested for allegedly helping a prisoner to escape from Pienaar police station cells, Mpumalanga police said on Thursday.
Spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said upon hearing about the escape that took place on Wednesday, Mpumalanga police commissioner Liuetenant General Mark Dumisa Magadlela went to Pienaar to investigate the incident.
“The provincial commissioner went to investigate since Pienaar is one of the best stations with state-of-the art facilities in Mpumalanga,” he said.
After investigating the incident, he immediately arrested the sergeant and warrant officer and charged them for aiding a prisoner escape from custody.
Mohlala said the man was accused of several armed robberies in the area had earlier been apprehended by the community and handed over to the police.
“The suspect was involved in a string of robberies where he robbed people of their cellphones. Subsequent to his arrest, two of the cellphones where identified by complainants,” he said.
Magadlela said an internal disciplinary process would be launched against the two officers.
“All those who do not behave according to our prescripts will be dealt with accordingly. I am prepared to have few dedicated members than many ill-disciplined members. Any suspect that escapes from lawful custody will result in the immediate arrest of those responsible.”
The policemen were expected to appear in the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
ANA