Prison break in KZN: Manhunt for 23 escapees

It’s been reported that on Wednesday morning, the police’s Jay Naicker said that 45 prisoners were being driven by two police officers when 31 prisoners awaiting trial escaped from custody in Pietermaritzburg. This comes after a group of suspects, targeting a police van for just ONE prisoner, ended up releasing dozens of felons when they attempted to hijack the vehicle. The men were in transit to Pietermaritzburg Court, before a hail of bullets stopped police officers from completing the journey.

 Police in KwaZulu-Natal are now searching for 23 awaiting trial prisoners, meanwhile 22 have been reported to have now be in police custody.

A large-scale manhunt has been reported to already be underway.

The RTC South Africa Community Group shared this update earlier on Wednesday. “Police van with prisoners hijacked by five suspects with AK47 rifles. Policemen taken hostage with prisoners. Shots were fired. Scene still active. This occurred a short while ago on Devonshire Road between Pietermaritzburg Court and New Prison. KZN Prisoners were en-route to court.”

 

By Everngelista Muza