The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the multidisciplinary approach between SAPS, Johannesburg Metro Police, private security and the community of Diepsloot displayed to eventually arrest the escaped prisoners and hand them over to the police.

It is reported that on Thursday, 09 September 2021, two prisoners at Leeukop Correctional Facility managed to escape. The duo then broke into a house in Fourways while the mother, her four-month-old infant and domestic worker were at home. The suspects robbed them of money at knifepoint before fleeing the scene on foot with the infant. The suspects proceeded to hijack a white Toyota double cab near Helderfontein School and drove towards Diepsloot.

JMPD officers on patrol spotted a suspicious Toyota double cab driving at a high speed and gave chase. The vehicle subsequently drove into a ditch at R511 and Plum Street, Diepsloot. When officers arrived on the scene, the community had already secured the infant and apprehended the two escapees.

The Provincial Commissioner commends the seamless collaboration from the family, private security, JMPD, the community and the police that resulted in the safe return of the kidnapped infant to his family and the arrest of the suspects.

"A prison escape by two convicted murderers serving 10 and 30 years' sentences led to a trail of house robbery and kidnapping, hijacking as well as reckless and negligent driving. I am however pleased that the perpetrators are now back in prison, where they belong," said Lt Gen Mawela.