Johannesburg - Three awaiting trial prisoners escaped from a police vehicle in Modimolle, Limpopo police said on Wednesday.
Colonel Ronel Otto said 13 awaiting trial prisoners were being transported from Pretoria to Modimolle for court appearances on Tuesday when the three escaped.
“It is alleged that one of the detainees was in possession of a small saw and a knife. He threatened the other detainees to keep quiet and saw through the mesh in front of the window in the back door of the vehicle.”
She said when the vehicle stopped to turn to Modimolle, the three escaped through the window of the back door and ran away.
“None of the other detainees managed to escape.”
She identified the three as Jekanuika Vurayayi and Alex Matayaya, who were both initially arrested for armed robbery, and Edson Chuma, who was arrested for housebreaking and theft.
“The circumstances around the escape, including how the detainees were able to be in possession of a saw and a knife, are being investigated,” she said.
Sapa