E Rand escapees still on the run

Department of Correctional Services officials are now receiving managment training to assist them in coping with the increasing stress of dealing with large volumes of prisoners. A warder at an East London Prison keeps a close eye on prisoners. 241006 Picture: Steve Lawrence

Department of Correctional Services officials are now receiving managment training to assist them in coping with the increasing stress of dealing with large volumes of prisoners. A warder at an East London Prison keeps a close eye on prisoners. 241006 Picture: Steve Lawrence

Published May 27, 2014

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Johannesburg - The search for five dangerous prisoners who escaped while being transported from the Tembisa Magistrate's Court to the Modderbee prison on the East Rand continued on Tuesday, said Gauteng police.

Muzi Sambula, Alex Maake, Sipho Edwin Mzimba, Sipho Mpostoli Mthethwa, and Mkhulu Ndlovu escaped through the roof of a truck after they had appeared in court on Monday, said Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini.

“Police who were transporting them were alerted by a member of the public who indicated that there was a problem at the back of the truck,” Dlamini said in a statement.

“On inspection, one of the prisoners was found on top of the truck.”

Dlamini said it was unknown what type of object was used to open the roof.

“The escapees are considered dangerous and they were appearing in court for violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, business robbery, and hijacking,” Dlamini said in a statement.

He urged members of the public with any information to contact the police.

Dlamini warned that the escapees should not be confronted as they were considered armed and dangerous.

Sapa

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