Leeuwkop escaped prisoners rearrested
Two convicted murderers who escaped from Sandton’s Leeuwkop prison on September 9 were rearrested following a short-lived crime spree across the city.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, it was reported that the pair escaped from the Leeuwkop correctional facility and broke into a house in Fourways while a mother, her four-month-old baby, and domestic worker were at home.
“The suspects robbed them of money at knifepoint before fleeing the scene on foot with the infant,” he said
The suspects then proceeded to hijack a white double cab vehicle near Reddam House Helderfontein in Midrand before driving to Diepsloot. Masondo added that Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers who were on patrol spotted the suspicious vehicle and gave chase.
“The vehicle subsequently drove into a ditch at [the corner of] R511 and Plum Street in Diepsloot.
“When officers arrived on the scene, the community had already secured the infant and apprehended the two escapees,” said Masondo.
SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, commended the collaborative effort of the family, private security, Metro police, the community and the police which resulted in the safe return of the kidnapped infant and the arrest of the suspects.
“A prison escape by two convicted murderers serving 10 and 30 years’ sentences led to a trail of house robbery and kidnapping, hijacking as well as reckless and negligent driving.
“I am, however, pleased that the perpetrators are now back in prison where they belong,” said Mawela.
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