Two Eastern Cape policemen are in a serious condition in hospital following a gun-battle with four men who shot their way out of the Flagstaff magistrate's court building on Thursday.
One of the four men who made their daring dash for freedom was subsequently fatally wounded by pursuing police.
Provincial police spokesperson, lieutenant-colonel Sibongile Soci, says the drama began when the men opened fire on an investigating officer when he went to collect them from a holding cell to appear in court on charges of murder and hijacking.
"It is alleged that at about 11:30 this morning, four dangerous suspects appearing in Flagstaff Magistrates Court for four counts of hijacking and murder shot at the police officer (Investigating Officer), while being fetched from court holding cells," she said.
"They managed to escape from the holding cells. Outside the court, they shot at another police officer who was on normal patrol duties, and took his service firearm. They hijacked two vehicles and fled the scene," she said.
"The police were alerted and started chasing after the suspects. Shooting ensued between the suspects and police and one suspect was fatally wounded and three are still on the run," said Soci.
She said both SAPS members are in a serious condition in hospital while 66-year-old bystander was wounded in the leg.
The names of the suspects are;
Xolani Gubevu Maduna from Mlazi, KwaZulu-Natal
Thembile Nontenja from Bizana, Eastern Cape
Anele Nontenja from Bizana, Eastern Cape
The deceased is Mxolisi Zangwa from Bizana, Eastern Cape
"We are pulling all resources to search for these suspects and I have ordered that seasoned investigators conduct the investigation, as to how the suspects managed to obtain a firearm inside the court building. Community members are also urged to assist with any information which might lead to the re-arrest of these suspects, but are warned not to try to arrest them as they are extremely dangerous", said Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major Gen Zamuthonga Mki.
