Pretoria - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has launched a manhunt for two awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from lawful custody on Monday.
Five gunmen attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects from court to the Kgosi Mampuru Prison, in Pretoria.
“A maroon sedan with five occupants allegedly blocked their vehicle from the front in Matshiga Street. The men were armed with 3 x 9mm pistols, an AK47 and a R5 rifle. While holding the police members at gunpoint they picked the lock of the van and released two suspects. They allegedly took the keys of the vehicle,” police said on Monday.
The escaped suspects are Abram Matombo‚ 36‚ arrested for armed robbery‚ and Bethuel Fosi‚ 25‚ arrested for theft.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Joel Mothiba said a charge of escaping from lawful custody will be added to the other crimes they have been charged with.
The SAPS have now put out an alert to help them rearrest the escapees and the gunmen.
“A thorough investigation will be done to establish the reason for their escape and if our members have been negligent, they will be held accountable,” said Mothiba.
Anyone with information can alert the police on 0860010111 or SMS 32211. - SAnews.gov.za
