Armed and dangerous: six prisoners on the run
Seven stage daring prison break in Khowa, one prisoner already caught
Police have launched a huge manhunt for six of seven men who overpowered police and staged a daring prison break at Khowa on Wednesday.
One 21-year-old inmate was rearrested six hours later.
Police have named the escaped prisoners as Lihle Rashula, Dumisani Tom, Inga Nkompela, Sfundo Sothondoshe, Yophi Samkelo Rasmeni and Phakamani Phoswayo.
Police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni said a task team had been established to track and rearrest the remaining six suspects. They escaped from the Khowa prison at 6.45pm on Wednesday. Khowa, formerly Elliot, is about two hours northwest of Mthatha on the R56, and three and a half hours north of East London on the N2.
“The seven escapees overpowered the police officers, stole a state firearm and fled on foot. Random shots were fired as they fled, but no injuries were reported,” Tonjeni said.
“Police are warning community members not to accost the escapees as they are armed and dangerous. We urge the public to report their whereabouts to the nearest police station,” he said.
The six men face charges ranging from house robbery and violation of protection orders to stock theft and attempted murder.
Tonjeni said the escape had occurred during a change of shifts.
“Prisoners always want freedom. Escaping from lawful custody will be added [as a charge],” he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Liziwe Ntshinga said she was pleased at least one man had been arrested, and within hours of his escape.
“I urge the task team to work tirelessly to ensure all escapees are recaptured and put behind bars. We urge the public to work with us by sharing information, ” she said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of any of the escapees is urged to contact investigation officer DS Lifa Gqosha on 082-813-2217. Information can also be shared on SAPS Crime Stop 0860010111 or via the MySAPS App.
All shared information will be treated with strict confidentially, ” Tonjeni said.
DA shadow MEC for safety & security Bobby Stevenson said the police should pull out all the stops to rearrest the escapees.
“One cannot allow these dangerous individuals to be on the run in the community, particularly considering the crimes they are alleged to have committed, ” he said.
“There needs to be a thorough investigation into the circumstances around how they managed to escape and steal a police firearm.
“We cannot allow lawlessness to run rife in our communities; firm steps need to be taken to ensure that these individuals are back behind bars.”