Johannesburg - Three prisoners were killed and 14 injured by an explosion in the truck transporting them, Gauteng police said on Monday.
One of the injured died later, taking the death toll to three, Brigadier Neville Malila said.
The prison truck was transporting 36 awaiting trial prisoners from the Randburg Magistrate's Court to Johannesburg Central Prison.
"When they arrived at the corner of Naturena and the Old Soweto Highway, the driver heard a big bang. He noted there was a hole in the door and saw two prisoners escape," Malila said.
eNews Channel Africa reported that one of the escaping prisoners was shot and wounded. Both were recaptured.
Four of the injured were critical while 10 sustained minor injuries. The remaining 19 were unhurt.
Forensic experts were combing the scene to determine the type of explosive device used.
Correctional services commissioner Tom Moyane said they were not ruling out the possibility of an inside job.
He was, however, satisfied that all security measures were in place when the prisoners were transported to the court.
He said once the prisoners were in the van, they were the responsibility of the police. The police also claimed to have had all their security measures in place.
Cases of murder, possession of explosives, and escape from lawful custody were being investigated.
- Sapa/IOL
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