12 escape from police cells
2003-11-17 15:06
Ladybrand - Twelve prisoners, some of them facing charges of murder and rape, escaped from the Ladybrand police station cells in the Free State on Sunday, police said on Monday.
The prisoners appeared to have cut through a steel mesh above the recreation area and climbed out with a rope made of knotted cloth, said police spokesperson Constable Christopher Mophiring.
He said people walking past the station building noticed the suspects climbing over the fence and informed police of the escape.
Mophiring requested that the public not to try to arrest the prisoners themselves, but to contact a police officer if they spotted them.
The 12 are: Mphuthi Lothane, facing a charge of murder; George Noe and Liphapang Talane, both up for rape; Qolane Kotoi and Oscar Malakane on charges of housebreaking and theft; David Khohlane, up for robbery; Joseph Morake, up for stock theft; Buti Morake, for possession of an unlicensed firearm; Xolisa Mdada and Thabo Motsamai for dealing in dagga; and Tshepo Hatase, an illegal immigrant.
- SAPA