OF the five awaiting trial prisoners who brazenly escaped today while being transported to Nongoma Magistrates Court, police have confirmed that four have been arrested, following a massive manhunt in the Ngome area where they made their initial escape.
Prisoners in transit overpower police and escape near Vryheid
Eleven prisoners, among them suspects facing rape, robbery and assault charges, were being transported to Nongoma this afternoon, when two of them managed to overpower the officers tasked with transporting them. They managed to relieve the officers of their firearms and opened fire.
One of the officers was injured in the ensuing shoot out, however, the nature of his injuries has not been confirmed.
It is believed that the two armed prisoners opened the vehicle for the rest of the prisoners to escape, at which point, six of the prisoners wisely opted to remain in custody.
Following a massive manhunt by POP Ulundi and Ngome SAPS, who were also involved in the early stages of the operation, four of the escapees have been rearrested and both firearms have been recovered.
