Cape Town - Police in Ntabathemba in the Chris Hani District have re-arrested three prisoners who attacked a police officer and jumped out of a moving police vehicle on Tuesday.
This followed the arrest of five suspects aged between 21 and 25 in connection with a business robbery in the area.
Two suspects were handcuffed and all five were placed at the back of an open light-delivery police vehicle with a police official guarding them.
While in transit to the station, the suspects attacked the police officer and jumped out of the moving vehicle.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said three suspects were immediately re-arrested while the fourth managed to flee.
A fifth suspect was found at the side of the road by a resident and was taken to the clinic by a private vehicle where he was declared dead on arrival.
“The matter has been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). An internal probe is also under investigation. Cases of escaping from lawful custody and an inquest are under investigation. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” said Naidu.
Police have appealed for help in arresting the fourth suspect.
“Police would like to warn the community that any person who is found wilfully aiding and abetting any criminal is committing an offence and could be criminally prosecuted,” she added.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect still at large can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Times