By Thandi Skade
A convicted murderer has escaped from prison and asked a radio station to act as a go-between to hand himself over and meet the minister of justice, to whom he wants to present evidence proving his innocence.
Farouk Meyer, 33, convicted of killing three people inside Club 12 Play in Hillfox, near Honeydew, in November 1999, escaped from Groenpunt Prison in Vereeniging while doing welding work outside the prison on Monday.
Describing his escape from prison, he said: "I was working there and then I ran over the veld and got into a taxi and escaped like that."
Meyer on Wednesday contacted Talk Radio 702, demanding that they assist him to facilitate a meeting with Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, where he would hand over allegedly compelling evidence that would prove his innocence.
Meyer claims he was framed by the investigating officer in his case, who he alleges planted two "extra bullets", which he claims effectively convicted him.
"I'm willing to hand myself over to you in the presence of the minister of justice because I've got crucial evidence that will prove my innocence," he told the station.
The evidence included a statement from one of the deceased's daughters saying that her father was friends with the investigating officer, and statements from other witnesses stating the investigating officer had "influenced" them.
Meyer has thus far served eight years of his prison sentence.
Yusuf Abramjee, head of Primedia's CrimeLine, on Tuesday told The Star that Meyer had agreed to voluntarily hand himself over to the police, provided this took place in front of representatives from the departments of police and justice and the National Prosecuting Authority, which Crime Line would facilitate sometime on Wednesday.
But according to the Department of Police, Meyer may as well forget his demands. Spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi said: "We don't make deals with fugitives. We are going to be there, but not so that a fugitive can have a meeting, but to arrest him. No one must escape from jail thinking they can make a deal."
Meyer can also forget about meeting Radebe, as he is currently in Italy. But regardless of this, Justice Department spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said it would "never happen" because evidence went to the prosecuting authority and not to the Justice Department.
Correctional Services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela confirmed Meyer's escape and said he was considered to be a dangerous man. He urged community members to be on the lookout and come forward with information of his whereabouts.
Meyer was convicted in 2000 for shooting dead Desmond Bethanie, Gerald Jacobs and Dawood Malgas at the nightclub.