/ 2 September 2007

‘Dangerous’ prisoners escape from Mthatha jail

Seven awaiting-trial prisoners have escaped from an Mthatha jail, Eastern Cape police said on Saturday.

Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said the men — arrested for crimes such as murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, theft and assault — had escaped from their cell at Wellington prison between 10pm and 11pm on Friday.

He said the men had escaped by sawing through two burglar bars in their cell.

The ”dangerous criminals” were between the ages of 18 and 39.

A case of escaping from lawful custody has been opened by the Department of Correctional Services, said Fatyela.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) said that such escapes are becoming a norm. Nadeco spokesperson Margaret Arnolds said: ”We as citizens are now tired of these escapes. It is now becoming the norm. The minister should now look into this very seriously.” — Sapa