Connect with us

General

Men with AK-47s free awaiting trial prisoners on way to court

Published




The Police in South Africa are in pursuit of 22 awaiting trial detainees after five men with AK47 rifles, on Wednesday, ambushed the van carrying them  and set them free.

According to the police, 45 prisoners where in the vehicle during the attack; 31 escaped from the van but nine were arrested immediately with 22 still on the run.

The prisoners were on their way to their court hearings at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu Natal.

The KwaZulu Natal police said the attack occurred at a location close to the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg.

Police spokesman, Brigadier Jay Naicker said the attack happened at around 8 a.m.

Two police officers were transporting prisoners from the PMB New Prison to the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court when they were blocked off by a double cab bakkie with five “heavily armed” gunmen.

“The suspects pointed firearms at the police officers and forced open the rear of the truck. Thirty one awaiting trial prisoners escaped out of the 45 that were in the truck.

“A manhunt is under way for the escapees,” said Naicker.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

 

Advertisement
Comments



Trending