Prisoner fatally wounded in East London court

South African Police Service

Prisoner fatally wounded in East London court
Prisoner fatally wounded in East London court

A 25-year-old man was fatally wounded on 7 September 2021 in the East London Magistrate Court. It is alleged that at about 10:45 the deceased man was supposed to appear before court for the Escaping case of 2018 where he allegedly tried to escape from the prison.

According to the reports, the deceased was appearing in court and being cross-examined, when he allegedly jumped out of the witness box with a knife in his hand.

A firearm shot was heard during the incident. It is not clear how the knife found its way into the court. However, the prisoner was later certified dead by the paramedics.

The circumstances surrounding the incident will form part of the investigation.

An Inquest docket has been opened.

SAPS Newsroom

SOURCESouth African Police Service