Police rearrest fugitives

POLICE have recaptured the five fugitives who escaped from the Keetmanshoop Police cells on Thursday.

The five trial-awaiting prisoners escaped after sawing through security bars during the early hours of Thursday. Karas Regional Commander Josephat Abel yesterday confirmed the rearrest.Abel said that three fugitives were arrested near a farm 30 kilometres south of Keetmanshoop after Police received a tip-off from the public.They are Niklaas Kooper (21), Dawid Smith and Niklaas Goliath.The trio faces charges of stock theft.According to Abel, additional charges of stock theft would be added after Police found evidence of a slaughtered sheep in their possession during their arrest.Two other escapees – Hendrik Booysen (30) and Jakobus Hendriks (28) – were re-arrested on Saturday.The duo faces charges of attempted rape and murder.The five men yesterday appeared in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate Court on charges of escape from lawful custody.Abel said that an investigation into Police negligence against those on duty at the time of the escape had been launched.Karas Regional Commander Josephat Abel yesterday confirmed the rearrest.Abel said that three fugitives were arrested near a farm 30 kilometres south of Keetmanshoop after Police received a tip-off from the public.They are Niklaas Kooper (21), Dawid Smith and Niklaas Goliath.The trio faces charges of stock theft.According to Abel, additional charges of stock theft would be added after Police found evidence of a slaughtered sheep in their possession during their arrest.Two other escapees – Hendrik Booysen (30) and Jakobus Hendriks (28) – were re-arrested on Saturday.The duo faces charges of attempted rape and murder.The five men yesterday appeared in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate Court on charges of escape from lawful custody.Abel said that an investigation into Police negligence against those on duty at the time of the escape had been launched.