R15m claim after escaped prisoner hell

Police face a damages claim after a prisoner escaped from a holding cell then attacked a couple in their home.

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Pretoria - Police face a R15 million damages claim after a prisoner escaped from the holding cells of the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court and shortly afterwards attacked a couple in their home, nearly killing them and raping the woman.

The couple, who cannot be named, were severely traumatised by their ordeal and are blaming the police for Nduduzi Nkosi’s escape.

The high court in Pretoria ordered that the police were 100 percent liable for the injuries suffered by the couple.

Nkosi escaped from the holding cells on December 1, 2009. According to the couple, this was due to the negligence of the police, as they never searched him or his co-detainees before they were placed in a cell.

Nkosi also received a package from his family and the police did not bother to search it.

He apparently sawed through the bars of the basement cell at the court.

Nkosi and a gang of robbers broke into the home of the couple 13 days later.

The husband lost consciousness while being assaulted. One of his fingers had to be amputated and he suffered brain damage.

His wife was also severely assaulted, abducted and gang-raped. The couple are claiming damages for their emotional trauma and medical expenses.

The man is claiming R5m and his wife R10m. The amount to be awarded to the couple will be determined later.

Pretoria News