KZN police have launched a manhunt for 14 escaped prisoners following a botched prison transfer.
The incident happened on Monday afternoon when the prisoners were being transferred to Westville prison after appearing at the Durban Magistrate Court.
“Whilst the van was stationary at the traffic lights at Bram Fischer and Soldiers way Street in Durban, a policeman heard a noise coming from the back of the van and when he looked in the rear view mirror he noticed prisoners jumping off the van. He continued driving to the station where it was discovered that 15 prisoners had escaped by cutting the padlock off the door,” said Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, SAPS Police Spokesperson.
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There were initially 15 escaped prisoners but a newly established special task team has managed to capture one of the escapees and is working with him to identify the rest.
Police said most of the escaped were awaiting trial.
Mbhele said that two cases of ‘Aiding and Abetting’ and ‘Escaping from lawful custody’ have been opened at the Durban central police station.
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