All law enforcement resources have been deployed to Pietermaritzburg where at least 22 prisoners are still on the run, following a brazen ambush on a correctional services bus.
Pietermaritzburg prisoners on the run: Here’s the latest
As reported by The Witness, five armed gunmen ambushed a Department of Correctional Services bus that was transporting 31 prisoners on Wednesday morning.
From what we understand, the bus was on its way from New Prison to drop off the 31 accused suspects at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate and High Court for their respective appearances when it was struck by a hail of bullets.
The brazen ambush took place at a bridge near Edendale and Devonshire Road. Outnumbered and overwhelmed by the assault from at least five AK47 rifles, correctional service officers could do nothing but duck for safety while 31 prisoners made a run for it, in different directions.
It’s believed the attack was an orchestrated plot to free one prisoner, whose identity has yet to be revealed. At the time this article was published, nine of the 31 escapees had handed themselves over to authorities at the KwaZulu-Natal town’s magistrate’s court.
Right now, the huge assignment facing authorities is tracking down the 22 prisoners who are still on the run.
[BREAKING NEWS] 31 prisoners awaiting trial have escaped from custody in Pietermaritzburg after Police were confronted by five armed men. Nine have been recaptured, while 22 remain on the run. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/UMbRu5geyY
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 28, 2021
The Pietermaritzburg community has been warned to avoid contact with any of the prisoners. Instead, civilians are advised to call the police immediately if they encounter the fugitives who are believed to be in handcuffs.
This is a developing story.