Cops implicated in prison truck explosion

Mandy Wiener | 41 minutes ago JOHANNESBURG - Police officers have been implicated in the Johannesburg police truck explosion in which three people died and fifteen were injured. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate on Friday said it’s still investigating and arrests are imminent. Last month an explosive device detonated in a prison truck taking 36 awaiting trial prisoners from the Randburg Magistrates Court to the prison. Two convicts tried to escape but were recaptured by the police one of them was shot and wounded. Meanwhile, four prisoners have already appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with the attempted escape. Police spokesperson Brigadier Neville Malila said they had still not established what explosive device was used in the attempted escape. “Evidence collected at the scene was sent for ballistics testing and we’re awaiting a report from our ballistics analyst.” Govan Whittles | 25 October 2012 JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng police on Thursday said they have identified the four suspects in connection with a police van blast. The awaiting trial prisoners allegedly detonated an explosive device onboard the vehicle on Monday, killing three people. The vehicle was travelling on the Golden Highway towards the Johannesburg Central Prison from the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. At least 14 others were injured in the blast. Police spokesperson Neville Malila said, “They will be appearing in court on murder, attempted murder and possession of explosives [charges].” Police are still probing the nature of the device that was used. (Edited by Zethu Zulu) Govan Whittles | 26 October 2012 JOHANNESBURG - Four men will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, in connection with an attempted escape where three inmates died in an explosion inside a prison truck. All four men are prisoners who were being transported to the Johannesburg Central Prison, when the explosive device went off on Monday. Officials say 36 inmates were in the truck, and five are still being treated in hospital. Police spokesperson Brigadier Neville Malila said they had still not established what explosive device was used in the attempted escape. “Evidence collected at the scene was sent for ballistics testing and we’re awaiting a report from our ballistics analyst.” Shain Germaner | 24 October 2012 JOHANNESBURG - Police say they will be releasing the names of the three men killed in an explosive escape attempt near the Johannesburg Central Prison, after their families have been informed of their deaths. The prison bus was travelling on the Golden Highway on Monday, when one of the prisoners detonated an explosive device inside, as the vehicle was slowing down to turn just a few streets away from the prison. The escape attempt killed three inmates and critically injured another four. Two inmates tried to flee but they were apprehended nearby. All other prisoners were detained. The prisoners on board were awaiting trial inmates returning from the Randburg Magistrate's Court. Two of the three deceased were facing charges of theft, while the third was facing a charge of assault. Police spokesperson Brigadier Neville Malile said: “We know who the victims are, but we’re not releasing any of their identities." He said the investigation team had not yet made contact with all the next-of-kins. At the same time, police are investigating how a prisoner managed to get hold of an explosive, but the Department of Correctional Services says it has not yet ruled out the possibility that the bomber received inside help. EYE WITNESS NEWS - - - - - - COMMENTS BY SONNY This is the Sabotage of a State vehicle and MURDER! We will anxiously be watching the results of this case. What could the "Police members" motives have been for the KILLINGS" Did they want to silence more evidence against them? This SAGA is similar to the "Zuma Spy Tapes!" Actually, if the cops had supplied the prisoners with explosives to escape, we are looking at High Treason & Sedition! We know of a few dirty cops from the past who blew up their State vehicles to further their careers of crime...... We need service delivery - NOT SABOTAGE!