Suspects attack police officer, flee from Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court

Ten awaiting trial suspects attempted to escape from the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court after overpowering a police officer and disarming him of his service pistol at about 8.45am on Tuesday, 5 March. Four of the 10 were re-arrested, two of whom were injured during a shoot-out with police. Lt Col Thulani Zwane of the SAPS KZN media centre said most of the detainees were apprehended while trying to jump the fence. “One managed to flee the scene in a getaway vehicle that was waiting for him outside the court.”

Details of the vehicle was circulated and police officers from neighbouring stations and ET Rapid Response’s tactical response team (TRT) responded. “We were informed that the Metro Police K9 unit was following a vehicle fitting the description along the M35 in Kwamakutha,” said ET Rapid Response South Coast managing member, Tony Lokker.

“Our TRT joined the chase as they came along the M35. SAPS was given the location and waited ahead for the suspects. As the suspects came across the blockage, a shoot-out ensued between the suspects and Metro K9 and SAPS.“

Two suspects were shot and the stolen 9mm was recovered. No injuries were sustained by police officers. The suspect and his accomplice were taken to hospital where they are under police guard.

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