Nine suspects escape from Springs Magistrates Court in East Rand

Springs police have launched a manhunt for nine suspects who made a brazen escape from the Springs Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Springs Advertiser reports.

Of the nine suspects, four are wanted for a murder that was committed in KwaThema in March.

The four have also been charged with possession of a firearm.

The other suspects were in court for housebreaking, theft, possession of drugs, trespassing and being in the country illegally.

The escaped suspects who stand accused of murder and possession of a firearm are Phumlani Tshabalala, Mzandile Master Mbatha, Mduduzi Richard Sithole and Mongiseni Cyprian Langa, all from KwaThema.

Sibande Sibekezele Xulu is wanted for housebreaking and theft in Springs.

For possession of drugs in Springs, the police are looking for Clayton Donovan Booysen and William Reddinghuiz.

Augustine Mahlalela is wanted for trespassing in Springs.

Anock Nyirenda is wanted for being in the country illegally.

Springs police Station Commander, Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe described the four murder suspects as dangerous.

“The suspects escaped at approximately 1.30 pm.

“They overpowered our (SAPS) members in the passage of the cells as they were about to be transported from court back to Modderbee Correctional Facility.

“One of our officers was stabbed during the escape, but he is in a stable condition in hospital,” says Gwebushe.

Gwebushe says at present, they cannot speculate on the mode of transport used by the suspects to escape.

At this stage, police are still investigating how the men gained access to the weapon used to stab the police officer.

The public is warned not to confront the suspects as they are extremely dangerous and are possibly armed.

Anyone with information about any of the men’s whereabouts should instead contact Lt Col Groenewalt on 082 319 9886 or Cpt Mavela Masondo 071 608 5490.