Update:
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes (SVC) Track and Tracing team have re-apprehended one more of the trial prisoners who escaped from the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 11 October.
This comes after further tracing operations conducted in Gugulethu on Friday night identified Khumzi Ningo, one of the five who escaped from the holding cells in Athlone.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that Ningo was arrested at approximately 9:15pm on Friday night.
‘Two of the escapees are still at large. Further tracing operations are being conducted in an attempt to trace the outstanding two escapees,’ said Pojie.
The escapees are accused of serious offences, such as murder, attempted murder, assault, aggravated robbery, and possession of stolen property.
Pojie added that the accused will re-appear in Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 October.
‘Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report the whereabouts of the wanted escapees to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or directly liaise with the investigation officer, Captain Jacques Cussel at 079 894 1637,’ concluded Pojie.
A statement from Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie reveals that the number of detainees who escaped from the holding cells at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court is incorrect.
‘The initial statement which indicated that a total of six prisoners escaped was incorrect although at the time it was communicated as such,’ said Pojie.
‘Later, a headcount was done and after assessment it was determined that only five detainees escaped and not six,’ he added.
Police have apprehended two more awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The search continues for another three escapees who are still on the run.
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Police have also released images of the men, originally from Gugulethu.
This comes after six awaiting trial prisoners escaped from the holding cells at the court shortly before being transported to a correctional holding facility yesterday afternoon.
The rapid response from the members involved led to one suspect’s rearrest shortly after the escape.
The incident occurred shortly before 2pm following the group’s respective court appearances and has resulted in a manhunt spearheaded by the Western Cape SAP’s anti-gang unit.
According to SAPS provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the preliminary investigation suggests that the detainees overpowered one of the police officials and disarmed him.
Several shots were fired in the direction of the police officials but no one was hit or wounded. Thereafter, the escapees, between the ages of 20 and 33, fled the scene on foot.
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‘An appeal is made to the community to please refrain from approaching or confronting these escapees as they are deemed to be armed and dangerous,’ said Pojie. ‘They stand accused of serious offences such as murder, attempted murder, assault and robberies aggravated as well as the possession of stolen property.’
The public is advised to report any suspicious persons and/or the whereabouts of these escapees to the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or Captain Jacques Cussel can be contacted directly at 079 894 1637.
‘Escape from lawful custody, attempted murder and robbery of a firearm cases have been registered at Athlone Police Station that will be probed by our Provincial Detectives.’
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Picture: Grant Durr / Unsplash
