Escaped prisoners in the wind

The hunt is still on for two brazen prisoners who fled custody on Monday.

SAPS teams, comprising multiple sectors and areas, have continued the search for Bonginkosi Nsibanyoni and Sphiwe Khanye, who orchestrated an escape from the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court.

The men were last seen near Dannhauser, officials stated.

Panic ensued on Monday morning at the court, after the men got their hands on a firearm and hijacked a Department of Correctional Services vehicle.

A female Correctional Service employee was then taken hostage.

After ploughing through and flattening a gate, the prisoners and their hostage sped off into the outskirts of oSizweni, heading towards Dundee.

The vehicle was abandoned later in the afternoon.

SAPS teams who recovered the vehicle, were relieved to find the Correctional Services employee unharmed, yet traumatised, locked into the rear compartment.

However, Nsibanyoni and Khanye have not been seen since.

SAPS cluster spokesman, Captain Shooz Magudulela issued a statement, explaining the prisoners had broken free from their ankle cuffs and had fled on foot.

The community is warned these men are armed and dangerous.

Regional spokesman for Correctional Services, Thulani Mdluli said the escapees were linked to kidnapping, murder and other grievous crimes.

“We appeal to any member of public who may have information, which could lead to the arrest of these offenders, to come forward and report immediately to the police or crime prevention on 086 001 0111.”

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