Prisoners escape from cells at the Durban High Court

THE Durban High Court went into lockdown on Friday afternoon after two awaiting-sentence prisoners escaped from the cells.

However, one was allegedly caught outside the building.

The two criminals apparently jumped over the fence opposite the SANDF building to escape, turning the precinct into security chaos.

Those who were inside the court building were astounded when they were told they would not be allowed to leave.

According to a source who works for the Durban High Court, those who were on their way to court could not be allowed inside.

“The court was under lockdown and there was pandemonium.

“A police search was activated within minutes for the prisoners.

“One was caught after scaling a fence, his accomplice managed to evade the police,” he said.

He said the incident took place at about 2pm when both prisoners were awaiting sentencing while in the court cells.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed the incident.

She said a case of escaping from lawful custody has been opened for investigation at Durban Central SAPS.

She said both escapees,

Mboniseni Brian Shozi and Thobani Collen Shozi, faced five counts of murder, as well as attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

“The crimes were committed in Mariannhill in October 2017.

“The suspect is still being sought by the police,” Mbele said.

No injuries or deaths were reported and it is not yet clear how they escaped from the cells.