Escapees kill fellow prisoner
2007-11-28 11:00
Durban - A prisoner was shot dead on Tuesday afternoon by his five co-escapees, police said on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Vincent Mdunge said the incident took place at the Empangeni Magistrate's Court in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
A police truck had been dropping off 38 prisoners at the court when the drama unfolded.
As they were coming out of the vehicle, five prisoners accosted two police officers and took their pistols.
The prisoners opened fire on police and the remaining prisoners were locked in the truck.
Awaiting trial prisoner, Sphamandla Mthethwa, 25, was shot dead by the five.
Police said he was found in possession of a stolen pistol and that his death may have been accidental.
Mdunge said three prisoners were now armed and on the run. They were wanted for armed robbery and aggravated robbery.
"The matter is being investigated and none of the policemen were injured," he said,
He was unable to say whether or not the other two armed prisoners had been caught.
- SAPA