Limpopo – Twelve awaiting trial prisoners escaped from holding cells at two different Limpopo police stations over the weekend, police said on Monday.
“Six suspects escaped from the Mecklenburg police station and the other six managed to escape from the Tubatse police cells,” said spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto.
“At both stations, the suspects escaped after they managed to saw through the mesh wires of the roof of the exercise room.”
She said the prisoners were detained for crimes ranging from rape, robbery, housebreaking, theft and public violence.
Police have launched a manhunt for the prisoners.
Otto said: “Provincial commissioner, General Mashilo, has ordered a full investigation into the two incidents, and stressed that if (police) members were found to have been either involved, or having not followed the standard procedures on the detention of suspects, harsh disciplinary steps will be taken.”
ANA