The prisoners were being transported from the Tembisa Magistrates Court.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Lungelo Dlamini said the escapees are considered dangerous and were appearing in court for violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, business robbery and hijacking.
“It is alleged that the awaiting trial prisoners had escaped through the roof of a truck while they were being transported from court to Modderbee,” said Dlamini.
He added that the officers who were transporting them were alerted by a member of the public, who indicated that there was a problem at the back of the truck.
“On inspection, one of the prisoners was found on top of the truck,” said Dlamini.
The roof of the truck was also found open.
“At this stage it is unknown what object was used to open the roof of the truck and the investigation in that regard is continuing.”
The escapees are Muzi Sambula and Alex Maake, arrested for armed robbery in Ivory Park; Sipho Edwin Mzimba, arrested for murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm in Ivory Park; Sipho Mpostoli Mthethwa, arrested for business robbery in Tembisa, and Mkhulu Ndlovu arrested for hijacking in Tembisa.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information about their whereabouts to come forward.
Members of the public are warned not to confront the escapees, as they are considered to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information may contact Crime Stop on 086 001 0111, or SMS Primedia Crime Line on 32211, at all hours. Information will treated confidentially.
