Hostage drama at Witbank court
2008-01-24 17:31
Johannesburg - Four prisoners were on Thursday afternoon holding fellow-inmates hostage at the Witbank Magistrate's Court after overpowering a prison guard.
Police spokesperson Captain Leonard Hlathi said the four, who were to appear in court on murder and armed robbery charges, grabbed the guard when he went to their cell to escort prisoners to the court.
They later released the guard, unharmed.
"The men fired random shots into court rooms just after lunchtime. All staff were evacuated safely and no one was injured," he said.
"The hostages are being held inside the court building."
Hlathi, head of Mpumalanga's organised crime unit, said a task force was by 17:00 at the court trying to negotiate with the men.
- SAPA