Blast was part of escape plot - police
2012-10-22 18:26
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Johannesburg
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Cape Town - Police said on Monday that preliminary investigations show the explosion on a vehicle transporting prisoners in Johannesburg was part of an escape plot, according to reports.
An explosion was triggered on a vehicle transporting 36 prisoners from court to the Johannesburg Central Prison, killing three, leaving four critically injured, and 10 with minor injuries, eNCA journalist Michelle Craig reported.
Police said that "dangerous criminals" were part of the escape plot. The uninjured prisoners were taken back to prison, and are being processed.
Police confirmed that the device was in the back of the vehicle, but it is still unclear as to what type of device was used, she said.
Prison officials say investigations will show how prisoners were able to hide the explosive device, Craig said.
According to the police, the explosion occurred in transit, not on the prison premises, but the driver did not stop the vehicle until he reached the prison, because of safety concerns.
Two prisoners escaped after the blast, but were re-arrested.
