MOUNT FRERE - Eastern Cape police are on the hunt for three (3) awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from Mount Frere Court cells on Friday the 11th February 2022 in the Alfred Nzo District.

Preliminary investigation indicates that police were bringing the prisoners from the court back to the cells when six (6) prisoners escaped. Three of the escapees have since been re-arrested, whilst three (3) others are still on the run. The outstanding escapees are Ncukana Mandla aged 31 originally from Qumbu. He was arrested for Business Robbery, Luvalo Mongi aged 22 from Mt Frere. He was arrested for Malicious Injury to Property and carjacking and Ngxaka Ntsikelelo aged 34 from Mt Frere. He was arrested for Business Burglary. During the struggle with prisoners, one female police officer sustained injuries and was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation by a team of investigators assembled immediately after the incident by SAPS management. Meanwhile, cases of escaping from lawful custody have been opened against the escapees and an internal investigation will also be conducted to establish how the incident occurred. The members of the community are requested not to attempt to arrest the escapees but alert the police should they identify one of them. The prisoners are believed to be very dangerous to the society as they have committed serious crimes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects is requested to kindly inform the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10 111. All information will be treated with strictest confidentiality.

Source: South African Police Service