Notorious criminals shot dead in attempted escape

TWO criminals, including the notorious bank robber, Sakhumzi Mvoko, were shot dead while attempting to escape from the Mthatha High Court on Wednesday morning (10/09/14).

According to police the two prisoners - Mvoko and Yandisa Bila - were being escorted from the Kokstad Maximum Security Prison when they tried to escape by overpowering one of the correctional services task team members escorting them into court. A shoot-out ensued between the prisoners and the security team.

The two prisoners died due to gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. A member of Correctional Services was slightly injured.

The two prisoners were due to appear the High Court on various charges relating to armed robberies, hi-jacking, murder, rape and kidnapping.