…escapees cornered in suburb
By Molefi Sompane
SASOLBURG – Sasolburg Police detectives are investigating circumstances under which two prisoners escaped from police custody on Friday, October 12 after they over powered two prison officials who were transporting them to a local correctional centre.
Police spokesman, Constable Peter Kareli confirmed the incident during which one of the criminals was shot and injured in the ensuing man hunt and hostage release.
“The two escapees are a 29-year-old who is serving an 8 year sentence for car hijacking, and was in court today for one of the three outstanding cases of car hijacking.
“The second is 31 years old and is also serving 8 years in prison and also has five more outstanding cases of house robberies and an attempted murder,” he said
The escapees were re-arrested in a neighbouring suburb after police, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT), launched a man hunt.
Police said the escape drama unfolded at approximately 10am on Friday morning, when two suspects who were on their way to Sasolburg Prison overpowered the two prison warders and robbed them of their service pistols and escaped.
“The officers managed to alert the police and a search ensued. The two suspects were traced to the industrial site in Sasolburg and were cornered by the police when they entered one of the houses and held the owner of the house hostage but TRT managed to rescue her,” Kareli said.
He said the Tactical Response Team of Sasolburg Cluster moved swiftly and entered the house. The TRT unit members managed to free the hostage who is the owner of the house
“In the process of arresting the escapees’ shots were fired and one ofthem was taken out of the house already hand cuffed, while one suspectlay on the ground outside the house with a bullet wound on his rightthigh,” he added.
Both men were jailed for serious offences and they were to start their8-year sentences.
Kareli said they also had pending cases for which they were supposed to stand trial.
One suspect was taken to Sasolburg Prison the same day; the second has been discharged on Monday from the hospital where he was under heavy police guard.
They are expected to appear in court soon to face charges of attempted murder, holding a hostage and stealing police fire arms and defeating the course of justice.
Authorities have with held their names but have confirmed thatthey are part of the local criminals that is high-jacking and robbing in the area of Vaal triangle.
Public Eye learnt that the owner of the house and two prison officialsare receiving counselling following the incident.