Inmates tackle seven jailbreakers

Seven offenders attempted to escape from Barberton Maximum Correctional Centre last Wednesday. The incident happened when offenders were marching to their cells after receiving dinner at around 16:15.

They used a toy gun to threaten the guard in charge of the gate at Unit A. They managed to overpower him and take the keys.

According to Mesia Hlungwani, correctional services communications manager, all seven are serving sentences for serious crimes ranging from rape, murder and robbery, to the possession of firearms and ammunition, and kidnapping.

Three are citizens of Mozambique, one is Zimbabwean and three are South Africans.

Their effort to escape did not succeed, as they were stopped by co-offenders.

“They were at the gate where the incident happened and saw what the others were attempting to do. They then went in numbers and did a citizen’s arrest.”

According to officials who witnessed the arrest, they approached them, seized the toy gun and immediately handed them over to the prison authorities.

Two offenders sustained minor injuries to the head and face during the scuffle when the toy gun was seized.

“They were taken to Barberton General Hospital where they were treated and discharged on the same day,” said Hlungwani.

The area commissioner of Barberton management area, Solly Netshivhazwaulu, applauded their work.

“Their actions are a concrete verdict indicating that rehabilitation at our correctional centres works. It is very rare to find offenders united as ours are. They will do anything to restore peace. This will send a strong message to those who connive with offenders. We want to tell those who smuggle contraband into our facilities, their days are numbered. Smuggling contraband into a correctional centre is a serious crime.”

The department opened a case of attempted escape with the SAPS. They also instituted internal investigation to establish how offenders had obtained a toy guy.