Pretoria – One of the seven inmates who escaped from the Groenpunt Maximum Correctional Facility in Vereeniging in the early hours of this morning have been rearrested.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services Logan Maistry told SAnews the police, joined by Correctional Services officers, had launched a massive search operation when it was discovered that seven inmates had escaped.
“The inmates escaped through the window during the early hours of this morning,” he said.
The search is still on for the remaining six inmates, while the arrested inmate has been returned to the Groenpunt Maximum Correctional Facility.
An investigation has been launched to establish how the inmates escaped or if they were assisted by officials at the prison.
According to Maistry, the inmates were serving time for various serious crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, rape, burglary and illegal possession of firearms.
He called on members of the public not to confront or try to apprehend them as they are considered dangerous.
“We appeal to members of the public who spot the inmates to immediately call the police,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
