A police officer was shot dead and another was critically injured when 11 prisoners escaped from northern KwaZulu-Natal’s Eshowe police station on Friday, police said.
Captain Musa Khaba said the police officers were feeding the prisoners in their holding cells when they were overpowered, and shot at. All the prisoners escaped.
A hospitality matron was with the two police officers when the incident happened at about 6pm. She escaped unhurt, Khaba said.
”At this stage of the investigation, it is still unclear as to how the men came into possession of the firearm.”
Khaba said a manhunt has been launched.
Some of those who escaped had been arrested for murder, armed robbery, and rape. They will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, murder and attempted murder, Khaba said.
The 11 are Sicelo Mseleku, Siyabonga Magubane, Mbhekiseni Sikhakhane, Siboniso Magwaza, Siyabonga Ntuli, Delakufa Gazu, Zipho Cele, Nkosinathi Sikhakhane, Candy Shandu, Michael Spencer and Mtuku Maphumulo.
Mseleku (26), Mbhekiseni Sikhakhane (18), Magwaza (25) and Maphumulo (20) were arrested on murder charges.
Ntuli (24), Gazu (20), Cele (27) and Shandu (17) were arrested on charges of armed robbery. Magubane (18) was arrested on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Spencer (21) was in the holding cells for alleged rape, armed robbery and murder, and Nkosinathi Sikhakhane (27) was arrested on rape charges. — Sapa