South African police investigating whether officers aided escape of 8 prisoners from court

South African police arrested for prisoner escape

JOHANNESBURG — Police say 13 officers have been arrested on charges of aiding the escape of eight prisoners from a court in South Africa’s commercial capital.

Police spokeswoman Col. Noxolo Kweza said Friday that prisoners were not wearing leg irons or handcuffs when they escaped from the Johannesburg court where they awaited trial Thursday. Police are also being charged with misconduct and gross negligence.

Kweza said a hearing for the officers may take place as early as Monday.

The eight prisoners, charged with murder and robbery, escaped through the court’s basement. Police have re-arrested seven but are still searching for one.