Potchefstroom – Police in Brits in the North West are searching for four “dangerous” awaiting trail prisoners who escaped in a police vehicle while en route to the court.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said awaiting-trial prisoners Chris Sithole, 24, Alfonzo Mpofu, 25, and Gibson Msimango, 25, all from Zimbabwe, and Ontse Lebese, 27, from Ga-Rankuwa in Gauteng escaped while being transported from the Mogwase prison to Brits Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The four escaped when police were transporting them and other four suspects to court.
“According to information, a motorist who saw this unfolding, alerted the police about the escape. When the police stopped the vehicle they discovered that Sithole, Mpofu, who were both arrested for four counts of rape, murder and robbery have escaped. The other two suspects Msimango and Lebese who were both arrested for house robbery cases have also escaped.
“The investigation regarding their escape is underway. The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has registered her unhappiness regarding the incident. She has mentioned that all strings will be pulled up and no stone will be left unturned to get to the core regarding this escape.
“Any member who will be found responsible or neglected his or her duty will be held accountable and be dealt with according to the necessary prescript of the law,” said Motswenyane.
Anyone with information regarding the escapees were requested to contact Detective Captain Jonas Masinamela on 082416 0712.
African News Agency
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