News24 reports that a Free State police officer has been arrested for allegedly helping an awaiting trial prisoner escape from custody at the Welkom Magistrate's Court.

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said the 56-year-old officer was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit after he was found to have had a role in the prisoner escaping. The prisoner was about to be transported from the court to Odendaalsrus Correctional Services in March when he managed to escape. He was facing two counts of shoplifting and two counts of theft out of motor vehicles. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested three days after the escape. "[There is] no evidence thus far of the exchange of money, but the investigation continues. The police officer, who is a Warrant Officer, was arrested Monday morning at the court for the March escape and appeared in court on Tuesday," Thakeng reported. The officer faces charges of aiding and abetting an escape and defeating the ends of justice. He was released on bail of R1,000 and was expected back in the Welkom Magistrate's Court on 31 July.

• Read the original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24

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