Inmate escapes from rolling van

2003-10-16 19:19

Umvoti, Kwazulu-Natal - A prisoner escaped and two were injured when the vehicle in which they were being transported overturned in Greytown, Kwazulu-Natal, police reported on Thursday.

Captain Joshua Gwala said Inspector Johanne Mhlongo and Inspector Stanley Mchunu were transporting three handcuffed awaiting-trial prisoners from New Hanover to Greytown.

While the vehicle was in motion, one of the prisoners who was sitting behind the driver grabbed the steering wheel and the driver lost control. The third prisoner escaped before the vehicle overturned.

Two prisoners, Brian Mavuso and Zwelabantu Sibiya were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment, where their condition was reported to be serious but stable.

The third prisoner, who escaped, Moto Zuke, had been charged for murder, escaping from custody, being in possession an unlicenced firearm and armed robbery.

Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

- SAPA