Cape Town – The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) have reportedly launched a manhunt after four “dangerous” prisoners escaped from the Rooigrond Correctional Facility in North West on Tuesday.
According to News24, the prisoners broke a window and used sheets to shimmy down from a height.
Although ropes were found nearby the fence, it remained unclear how they managed to get over the inward-leaning fence at the perimeter, which was considered extremely difficult to climb over.
Two of the prisoners who escaped were Mozambicans. The other two were both South Africans.
ALSO READ: Nigerian man, 37, sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, rape and assault
“Investigations will be instituted and the circumstances relating to the escape will be revealed once investigations have been concluded,” the report quoted the department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo as saying.
Meanwhile, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesperson Richard Mamabolo pointed out the multiple upheavals faced by the Correctional Services Department, IOL reported.
“…Approximately 85% of inmates in our country re-offend after their release, meaning the current system of rehabilitation needs to be redefined because as is the current situation, our centres are far from being conducive to fulfilling the rehabilitating requirements.
“This is partly due to limited technical and life skills inmates are getting, therefore making it difficult to survive outside the prison environment, and has been a source of increased crime,” The report quoted Mamabolo as saying.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@SAPoliceServices
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
