Eastern Cape police are searching for three awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from custody at the Elliotdale police station.
Police spokesperson, Dineo Koena, said the men overpowered two policemen inside their cell at the police early Saturday evening.
“The incident occurred when two (2) members were conducting their routine inspections. It is alleged that members were overpowered by the inmates in the cell block,” said Captain Koena.
She said the prisoners locked the policemen inside the cell before making their escape.
Koena identified the escapee as Bonginkosi Ndevu (24) from Mkathazo Elliotdale who was arrested for armed robbery, Akhona Paji (25) from Khasa Elliotdale was arrested for rape and murder that occurred in April 2017 and Mziwonke Coli (32) who was arrested for armed robbery that occurred at Boxer Store in Mqanduli in November 2016.
She said an “internal enquiry into the escape has also been launched”.
Captain Koena said that police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of the men. Information can be reported to the Elliotdale police station.
All information will be treated confidentially.
