Two escaped prisoners remain at large, following their brazen breakout from police custody at Strand Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 October.
A third prisoner was apprehended after authorities launched a major search operation in for the escapees.
According to police, the incident occurred at 16:45 on Monday 27 October, when a trio of suspects escaped from lawful custody.
Strand police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nico Beukes confirmed the three suspects had been transported from Pollsmoor Correctional Centre for court appearances.
“The three suspects were awaiting trial – prisoners who were brought from Pollsmoor for court proceedings,” Beukes stated.
‘No sign of forced breakout’
Court orderlies discovered the suspects’ escape when they arrived to transport prisoners back to Pollsmoor Correctional Centre. The three prisoners – Denver Pietersen (34), Glenville Jantjies (22) and Rastum Alfestus (25) – were reportedly missing from the court cells, with no signs of a forced breakout detected.
Before their jailbreak, the prisoners were facing serious charges including attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, respectively.
The Department of Correctional Services has launched an investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the escape and one arrest has already been made. Following a tip-off from the public, police successfully recaptured Alfestus at a Strand residence at 12:20 on Tuesday 28 October.
Alfestus, who was originally detained for assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, is expected to appear in Strand Magistrates’ Court on an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody on Thursday 30 October. After his appearance, he will be transported back to Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, where he will remain in custody.
Pietersen and Jantjies remain at large.
Police are urging members of the public not to approach the suspects if spotted and to contact their nearest police station immediately, or Vispol Commander Captain Vanessa Daniels on 082 302 3665.
“The investigation remains ongoing as we work to recapture the remaining escaped prisoners,” Beukes said.
This comes barely a week after four detainees escaped for the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court.
ALSO READ: Wynberg court detainee escape: Three arrested, one still on the run
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