Three more murderers break free to join 14 prisoners still at large

Fourteen men who escaped from Johannesburg’s medium A prison, also known as ‘Sun City’, are still on the run.

The department of correctional services spokesperson, Monama Mochata, said there were no arrests made as far as he knew.

There were initially 16 men who escaped last week Monday. Two of them were shot when KZN police and the Hawks spotted them on Tuesday. The two jail-breakers opened fire at the sight of police. Police retaliated, ultimately killing the two.

Police have still not confirmed what the names of the two assailants are after they said the names would be released as soon as their next-of-kin were informed. All 16 men escaped on Monday at about 3am when they escaped through a pipe shaft and used an object to break through the wall.

This was followed by huge concern from the government, who said they needed answers to the spate of prison breaks.

Portfolio committee chairperson Dr Mathole Motshekga expressed concern, as the offenders were serving long sentences for serious crimes.

He said they needed answers to ensure that does not continue.

This, however, has not prevented yet another prison break after three men escaped from the Johannesburg High Court after they were sentenced. The men were sentenced to life imprisonment each on April 12. The police said the prisoners had been convicted and sentenced for murder.

“All the circumstances relating to the escaping will be released once an investigation has been concluded. The prisoners escaped while they were being taken into the truck transporting the prisoners between Johannesburg High Court and Johannesburg Correctional Services,” said provincial police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini.

He said the provincial management would investigate to ensure no officers assisted in the escape of the three suspects.