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- Police have rearrested two of *five detainees who overpowered a police officer and escaped from the Athlone Magistrate's Court.
- The other three are still at large.
- The police are continuing their search with "various addresses visited and clues being pursued".
Police have rearrested two of *five awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from the Athlone Magistrate's Court in Cape Town on Wednesday.
One was apprehended shortly after the escape, and the others were rearrested later on the same day.
The other three, from Gugulethu, are still at large.
"The search for three of the outstanding escapees continues with various addresses visited and clues being pursued, but without success thus far," said police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie.
Anyone who has further information which could assist police can contact the investigating officer, Captain Jacques Cussel, at 079 894 1637 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
News24 previously reported that the *five detainees escaped from the court's holding cells as they were about to be transported to a correctional facility after their court appearances.
READ | UPDATE: Police rearrest one inmate, another still at large after breaking free on work duty in KZN
It appears that they overpowered a police officer, disarmed him and fired shots at other officers before fleeing on foot.
The incident was the latest in a series of escapes this week.
In the North West on Tuesday, eight "dangerous" awaiting trial detainees escaped from the Mogwase Magistrate's Court holding cells.
Two of them, Lebogang Mokotleng and Tshepang Raselemane, were arrested a few minutes later at a local taxi rank, but six are still at large.
They are Tebogo Mosito, 29; Letlatsa Mpota, 31; Katlego Mafatlhe, 35; Keitumetse Lekolomi, 25; Thabang Matlho, 25; and Katlego Mkitle, 26.
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They face a range of charges, including murder, armed robbery and attempted murder.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said:
In KwaZulu-Natal, two prisoners escaped from detention while out with work teams.
One of the escapees, 34-year-old Siyabonga Sikhakhane, was rearrested on Wednesday morning in Nkandla. He had been in custody since March last year.
The other inmate, 29-year-old Siphamandla Simelane, escaped on Monday while serving two years for housebreaking and theft. He had been held at Vryheid Correctional Centre since last week. He is still at large.
*EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that police officially revised the number of escapees to five, from an initial count of six. (12/10/23)
