All six escaped from the court’s holding cells just after lunch, without police officers noticing.
The accused had appeared before the magistrate in connection with serious crimes, including armed robbery, rape and housebreaking – and were again remanded in custody before police officers led them to the court’s holding cells.
When it was time for them to be taken back to custody, six of the 13 suspects who were in the holding cell were nowhere to be found.
The other seven remained in the cells when the other six suspects made a sudden departure.
Police officers are said to have run helter-skelter trying to look for them, but in vain, as they had already vanished.
Police confirmed the matter and said they were still conducting investigations and looking for the six men.
They urged anyone with information that may lead to the suspects’ arrests to contact their nearest police station or to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
An investigation is under way to determine how the group managed to escape.
Three of the suspects, Fanie Hlela, Sipho Ngwenya and Siphamandla Dlamini, were recently arrested by the Boksburg police and charged with the business robbery committed at Fashion World.
They are considered dangerous and should not be approached.
If you see them, call your nearest police station immediately.
The trio is also wanted for other serious crimes, committed in Benoni, Actonville, Jeppe and Durban.
These offences include 20 counts of murder, attempted murder and several robberies.
Further charges of escaping from custody are being investigated against the six suspects. -@FanieFLK
Help police trace accomplice in Fashion World robbery
Car used in Fashion World robbery reportedly stolen