Escaped prisoners back in custody after more than an hour

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Two awaiting trial prisoners who overpowered a policeman and escaped from the Kwanobuhle Magistrate's court in Uitenhage on Friday, were back in custody about an an hour later.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Marianette Oliver, says the men were wounded when shots were fired during their rearrest.

The drama began when the men overpowered and assaulted a policeman and grabbed his firearm shortly after being denied bail this morning.

Olivier says the men were traced to a house in the Joe Modise area when they fled into nearby bushes. Shots were fired and both men were wounded.

The policeman's stolen firearm was recovered.

The men were awaiting trial on three charges of business robbery.