Alexander Pieters, alleged crime of assault escaped from prison last night. SUPPLIED
Cape Town - Three prisoners escaped from Malmesbury Correctional Facility last night. One prisoner’s freedom was short-lived after he was re-arrested within hours of his escape. Two others are still at large.
Residents from the area shared videos of law enforcement vehicles driving around searching for the escapees.
“One escapee has been arrested following the escape of three remand detainees from Malmesbury Correctional Facility, in the Western Cape, at approximately 8pm,” said Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Sechaba Mphahlele.
“A joint 72-hour activation operation by various law enforcement agencies is continuing, and the arrest of the remaining two escapees, Alexander Pieters, alleged crime of assault, and Juneal Jacobs, arrested for murder, is imminent.”
He added that the DCS had initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, and the preliminary investigation report will determine further course of action.
“DCS remains committed to safe and secure custody, and we call upon members of the public to come forward with any information to could lead to the speedy arrest of the two inmates as well as any other perpetrators.”
Last year in February, two prisoners escaped from the medium A correctional facility in Malmesbury during the Covid-19 screening procedures. They were later rearrested just after three hours.
In 2020, 69 prisoners escaped from the same facility when a midday exercise routine took a dramatic turn. The group, who were awaiting trial, overpowered guards, locked three of them in a cell and escaped through the main entrance.
A search party, which included the police, sniffer dogs and private security, resulted in the capture of the 69 men.
Weekend Argus