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Prisoners release 15 hostages
24/01/2008 20:30 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Fifteen of 28 awaiting-trial prisoners, held hostage by four prisoners at the Witbank Magistrate's Court on Thursday, have been released.
Said police spokesperson Captain Leonard Hlathi: "There are 13 inmates being held hostage now as 15 have just been released.
"A shot went off inside the cell where prisoners are being held hostage. We do not know if anyone has been injured or killed."
A task force was trying to negotiate with the men, said Hlathi.
He said the four, who were to appear in court on murder and armed robbery charges, grabbed a guard and took his firearm and cell keys when he went to their cell to escort prisoners to the court.
They later released him unharmed.
"The men fired random shots into courtrooms just after lunchtime.
"All staff were evacuated safely and no one was injured.
"The four men are keeping the prisoners in the cell block."
People at a local taxi rank laughed and joked at the excitement at the court.
Police spokesperson Captain Abbie Hall told journalists they would not be allowed to enter the building.
A few heavily armed police officers stood at the front of the building, making sure that it was secure.
- SAPA
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