Cops nab 3 escapees, one on the run

AN awaiting-trial prisoner is still on the run three days after making a daring escape from the Germiston Magistrate's Court where he was due to appear.

The prisoner, identified as Lawn Matlou, was among four inmates who made a quick getaway from court on Friday.

The other three escapees were recaptured soon afterwards.

A policeman who was on the scene said the would-be fugitives made a run for it when they realised the doors leading outside the courtroom they were due to appear in were not locked.

"The prisoners were taken into the courtroom and the court orderly locked the doors behind him," the officer said.

"The problem arose when the prisoners realised that the courtroom doors were not locked and that is when they decided to escape.

"The courtroom was empty and so no one could have seen them escaping."

It is understood that the four men were not cuffed - either on their hands or feet.

They were due to appear in same court as convicted armed robber William "King of Bling" Mbatha, who was sentenced to an effective 35 years behind bars.

Police said the escape was not related to Mbatha's appearance.

Although Matlou got away, the three other escapees - Alwyn Venter, Thalane Dliwayo and Mxolisi Lunga - were apprehended soon after.

"The other three prisoners were quickly rearrested. They were found hiding at President Tower, near the court."

The policeman said Lunga and Dliwayo had attempted to escape from the same court. once before. They were due to appear on Friday on an armed robbery charge.

Alwyn, Dliwayo and Lunga were expected to appear in court today for their failed escape attempt.