Third man escapes from magistrates court

Police have launched a man hunt for another man who allegedly escaped at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This comes after two men escaped from the court after firing shots at two people just before their appearance.

Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Khensani Magoai said the man appeared on charges of armed robbery. “He was remanded on custody after the case was postponed to 8 September. Today (Wednesday) it was discovered that he was not on the list of the awaiting trial prisoners that were taken to the correctional services,” she said.

Police cannot confirm how he escaped. “An investigation is being conducted. The other two escapees are still at large,” said Magoai.

On Tuesday, two men, Nchabeleng Mahlatse and Lucky Segopo shot and injured a police officer and a court orderly before they escaped in a hijacked car. The shooters were due to appear in court on charges of house robbery.

“Two suspects came out of the holding cells into the court with firearms and started shooting. A court orderly was slightly injured and the police officer, who came to testify, was seriously wounded,” Magoai said.

The armed men hijacked a Ford Icon outside the court, which was later found in Atteridgeville. “They abandoned the vehicle in Atteridgeville and then hijacked a red Polo. They will be charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and hijacking,” said Magoai.

Magoai appeals to the community to assist in finding the armed men. “Anyone with information about these suspects can report to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or Constable Tshegani on 083-766-9342,” she said.

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