Cape Town police are intensifying the search for fugitives who made a daring escape from the Athlone court earlier this week.
The escape of six trial-awaiting prisoners from the court’s holding cells has triggered a widespread manhunt, with the Anti-Gang Unit at the forefront of the operation.
Manhunt for fugitives who escaped from Athlone court ramped up
On Wednesday, 11 October 2023, around 13:45, a group of six detainees managed to break free from the Athlone Magistrates’ Court holding cells.
The escape transpired shortly before they were to be transported to a correctional holding facility following their court appearances earlier in the day.
Cape Town police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie revealed that the fugitives overpowered and disarmed a police official.
In the ensuing chaos, several shots were fired towards the police officials, although, fortuitously, none hit the target. The escapees, aged between 20 and 33, swiftly fled the scene on foot.
The police have since managed to apprehend two of the escapees, who are now back in custody. However, the search for the remaining fugitives continues unabated.
Law enforcement agencies have been scouring various addresses and following leads, albeit without success so far.
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Cape community warned to be on the lookout for these escapees
These fugitives are not to be trifled with, as they stand accused of severe crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault, aggravated robberies, and possession of stolen property.
Khuma Ningo
Vuyani Bonkolo
Khaya Supulana
Given the grave nature of their alleged offences and the violent circumstances of their escape, the police have issued a stern warning to the public to steer clear of these individuals, labelling them as armed and dangerous.
In a bid to expedite the re-arrest of these escapees, the Anti-Gang Unit has taken the helm of the manhunt, deploying significant resources to trace the fugitives.
The police have urged the community to exercise extreme caution and to report any suspicious activity that might lead to the apprehension of the escapees.