Prisoners kill cop, escape
2007-10-23 10:25
Johannesburg - Two awaiting trial prisoners - Krishan "Scully" Naidoo, 27, and Aboobiker Jawad Aboobiker, 22, - have escaped from the Randburg police holding cells after overpowering and killing a policeman, Gauteng police said on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Superintendent Eugene Opperman said the two men escaped on Monday night at about 22:00, after they overpowered a police inspector who was on a routine cell inspection.
The men were awaiting trial for armed robbery, kidnapping and rape.
The inspector was found dead in the cell.
He was tied up with pieces of a blanket and also had a shredded piece of blanket around his neck and in his mouth.
The exact cause of death would be determined during an autopsy.
"A special investigation team has been established to track down the escapees; we will not rest until they are re-arrested," Opperman said.
The circumstances that led the inspector to go to the cell on his own would also be investigated.
A charge of escaping from lawful custody would be added to the two men's charges once they were re-arrested, police said.
Opperman appealed to community members with information about the whereabouts of the escapees to contact Crime Stop on 0860010111, the Crime Line on 32211 or detectives at the Randburg police station on 011 881 8450.
- SAPA