Prisoner shot, killed during attempted escape at EC court
A prisoner has been shot and killed while trying to escape from the East London Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Authorities say the 25-year-old had been jailed for life for rape and robbery.
He was appearing in court today on a charge of escaping from lawful custody in 2018.
Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabhako Nxumalo, says the offender attacked a prison official with a sharp object when his shackles were removed in court at the instruction of the presiding officer.
"He had managed to stab one official and was attempting to stab others when the first warning shot was fired. But this could not deter him hence a second shot needed to be fired and the inmate, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries and died on the scene."
The Eastern Cape SAPS says it's not clear how he was able to bring it into court.
The circumstances around the incident are being investigated and an inquest docket has been opened.
