File photo
Three prisoners who escaped from a police van in George have been re-arrested after a manhunt was launched.
The escape took place on the N2 near Glentana while the prisoners were being transported from Mossel Bay to George on Monday afternoon.
One of the men was arrested near the N2 shortly after the escape, while the others were arrested in the Hoogekraal area later in the evening.
Residents assisted police in the search by using their drones.
Police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the escape are being investigated.
Police say their preliminary investigation indicates that the detainees opened a panel in the roof of the vehicle before disembarking through the roof.
The suspects then jumped from the moving vehicle near the Glentana bridge.
Police immediately called for reinforcement from George and Mossel Bay with the activation of the Eden Cluster Crime combatting team and other specialised Units within SAPS that was joined by Neighbourhood / Farm Watch Volunteers.
The suspects aged between 27 and 30 are in custody for serious offences such as murder, robbery and housebreaking.
Pojie says they will now also face additional charges of escaping from lawful custody.
