- A group of five men escaped from the holding cells at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (11 October).
- One was arrested shortly after the escape and another this morning (Thursday, 12 October).
- The five accused have been charged with serious crimes which include murder and attempted murder.
Police are on the hunt for three suspects who escaped from the Athlone Magistrates’ Court yesterday (11 October).
The three men, Kjuma Ningo, Vuyani Bonkolo and Khaya Supulana (all from the Gugulethu area), are part of a group of five men who escaped from the holding cells at the court. One was arrested shortly after the escape and another this morning.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lt Col Malcolm Pojie says five trial awaiting prisoners escaped at about 13:45 “as they were about to be transported to a correctional holding facility following their respective court appearances earlier (that day). Preliminary investigation suggests that the detainees overpowered one of the police officers and disarmed him. Several shots were fired in the direction of the police officials but no one was hit or wounded. Thereafter the escapees between the ages 20 and 33 fled the scene on foot.”
Interim District Community Policing Forum chair for the Cape metro, Rafique Floflonker says the brazen escape is alarming. “This has raised the question if we have enough resources at the court,” he says.
Police are calling on the public not to approach the five suspects. The five accused have been charged with serious crimes which include murder and attempted murder.
Floflonker adds that this has been raised not only for the Athlone Magistrates’ Court but Wynberg as well, where a witness was recently killed outside the court building in May.Residents are asked to contact the investigation officer, Capt Jacques Cussel on 079 894 1637 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 with any information.
