Prison break: ‘Dozens of inmates’ escape as KZN police van ambushed

This whole country is a movie – and KZN is our very own Hollywood. Fresh from giving us multiple ‘prison sex’ scandals, the genre has moved to action, after ‘at least 30 inmates’ were able to escape from police custody on Wednesday.

KZN prisoners escape after ‘ambush’

It has been reported that a group of suspects, targeting a police van for just ONE prisoner, ended up releasing dozens of felons when they attempted to hijack the vehicle. The men were in transit to Pietermaritzburg Court, before a hail of bullets stopped police officers from completing the journey.

The RTC South Africa Community Group shared this update earlier on Wednesday.

“Police van with prisoners hijacked by five suspects with AK47 rifles. Policemen taken hostage with prisoners. Shots were fired. Scene still active. This occurred a short while ago on Devonshire Road between Pietermaritzburg Court and New Prison. KZN Prisoners were en-route to court.”

• One witness also confirmed the location of the hijacking via his Twitter account

They just hijacked a truck of prisoners on Edendale Road, nibe safety genge.

— ngine Mama (@Gooner67mdh) April 28, 2021

Where are the Pietermaritzburg prisoners? Up to 30 may be missing

Some sources have said the vehicle was ‘hijacked’, and although the crooks managed to gain control of the vehicle and its occupants, it’s understood they didn’t drive away in the van, after it was badly damaged by gunshots.

The corners of Edendale and Devonshire Road have been closed off to traffic, and a police delegation is now attending the scene. A large-scale manhunt has already got underway, and we’ve just received more details from SAPS.

SAPS statement on KZN prisoner escape

“This morning at 8:00, two police officers were conveying prisoners from the PMB New Prison to the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court were blocked off by a double cab bakkie – with five heavily armed gunmen.”

“The suspects pointed firearms at the police officers and forced open the rear of the truck. A total of 31 awaiting trial prisoners escaped out of the 45 that were in the truck. A manhunt is underway for the escapees and you will be kept updated on the progress. Including the hijackers, 36 criminals are now [on the loose].”

This is a developing story, and we’ll bring you more as we get it – including an official police statement – throughout the day.