Local News
Prisoner shot dead after daring escape near Brits─── 11:38 Mon, 13 Jul 2015
Brits - An inmate serving a life sentence has been shot dead after escaping from Losperfontein Prison in Brits in the North West, police said on Monday.
Floyd Mabena, 41, a former resident of Mamelodi East, was serving time for murder, two robberies and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, said Captain Paul Ramaloko.
All these crimes were committed in Gauteng.
Ramaloko said Mabena allegedly threatened two prison warders with a knife and toy gun, tied their hands and robbed them of a cell key at around 07:00 on Sunday.
“He then undressed a male warder and put his uniform on before unlocking the high security door and escaping."
Mabena apparently hijacked a security vehicle that was on patrol in the vicinity and used it to get away.
A chase ensued on the N4 as he was driving towards Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria.
“He was shot at after he pointed a toy gun at the security guards who were chasing him. Paramedics confirmed him dead on the scene,” Ramaloko said.
A case of escape from lawful custody and hijacking were registered at Brits police station. A murder case was registered at the Akasia police station to investigate the shooting, allegedly by a security guard.
Correctional Services was not immediately available for comment.
