Gauteng police are hunting for 39 undocumented immigrants who escaped the custody, during their transportation to the Wierdabrug police station in Centurion.
The Centurion Rekord reported that during the escape, details of the daring breakout began to surface in the wake of the incident. The escape left the police department red-faced and frustrated.
Regional spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the immigrants were transported from Pretoria Magistrate Court to Centurion.
“They managed to overpower officers and took flight. The incident was bad and we are doing ongoing raids to arrest the escaped immigrants”, said Dlamini.
Democratic Alliance’s Community Safety spokesperson Michael Shackleton said the escape was the result of poor training and insufficient manpower.
“It is disappointing that police officers are not providing adequate guard detainees. The safety of our people is at stake”, he said.
Meanwhile, law enforcement in Johannesburg and Tshwane arrested hundreds of criminals and undocumented foreigners.
Dlamini said during the operation, 120 people in Pretoria West and surroundings were arrested.
“In Johannesburg, Public Safety MMC Michael Sun joint law enforcement operation “Buya Mthetho”, which resulted in number of downtown arrest and seizures. City announced that eighteen property hijacker suspects were apprehended during a crime prevention operation. It targeted three hijacked properties in the city”, he said.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) Chief David Thembe said during operations, hijackers, narcotic dealings and armed robbery were found.
On the other hand, City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba under war on inner city grime and crime added 1500 police officers, due to hit the street of Johannesburg by October 2019.
