KATLEHONG — An East Rand prison detainee accused of attempted murder and rape has escaped police custody following a road accident in Katlehong.
The accident happened in close proximity to the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court on August 19 just after 15:00 on Rivett-Carnett Street.
Captain Mega Ndobe, spokesperson for the Katlehong Police Station, confirmed the accident and said that a police van with 10 prison detainees, a cash-in-transit vehicle and a minibus-taxi were involved in the collision.
“The police were transporting the prison detainees back to the Correctional Services after they had made an appearance in the Palmridge Court.”
Kevin Peel, spokesperson for National Paramedical Services said the two police officers were transported to the Netcare Union Hospital while the detainees were taken to the Natalspruit Hospital in Vosloorus.
“No serious injuries have been reported.”
Ndobe said one of the detainees managed to escape while he was being treated at the hospital. In an effort to recapture the suspect, police have reportedly launched a manhunt.
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