Two prisoners have been shot dead as they tried to escape from a court in South Africa, the authorities say.
An official from the justice ministry told the South African Press Association that the prisoners, who were awaiting their hearing, apparently retrieved a firearm from a dustbin.
There was then an exchange of gunfire with officers.
The incident happened at the high court in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province.
Mthunzi Mhaga, the justice ministry spokesman, said one prison officer was wounded in the leg during the shootout.
"They attempted to escape on entering the court premises," Mr Mhaga said.
After finding the gun, "there was an exchange of fire with law enforcement [officers]", he said.
He said the police were now in control and "the situation was under control".
Following recent shootings at courts in Pretoria and Cape Town, the justice minister would look at measures to beef up security in courtrooms, Mr Mhaga said.
Latest Stories
-
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
3 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
4 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
4 hours -
Arsenal keeper Raya wins Premier League Golden Glove
4 hours -
Iñaki Williams scores twice in Athletic Bilbao’s win over Getafe
4 hours -
Argument with Salah ‘completely resolved’ – Klopp
4 hours -
Reus to leave Dortmund at the end of the season
5 hours -
Uefa confirms 26-man squads for Euro 2024
5 hours -
Teacher Unions press home demands for the new allowances
5 hours -
Media’s failure to hold government accountable for ‘galamsey’ alarming – Mahama
5 hours -
Keta Presbytery urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
5 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Ofori nets maiden goal of the season with stunner against Vizela
5 hours -
Community fearful after off-duty policemen shot dead at East Trasacco
5 hours -
Dext Technology partners KNUST to train basic school teachers on STEM
6 hours -
My efforts led to remarkable transformation in Appiatse – Lands Minister
6 hours