An accused person attempting to escape from custody at court was gunned down by an orderly
During an attempted escape at the Melmoth Magistrate's Court, an accused was fatally shot, leading to an investigation of the incident and a reassessment of court security protocols.
Image: SAPS
A PLAN to make a daring escape from custody during a court appearance went awry for an accused person who was attending a sitting at the Melmoth Magistrate's Court on Monday.
He attempted to grab the gun of a court orderly while in a courtroom and his two accomplices who were appearing alongside him assaulted the policeman.
Another policeman who was present shot and killed the accused who was trying to dispossess the orderly of his firearm.
KZN police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said Melmoth police were investigating an inquest, which relates to a case of escaping from lawful custody, attempted murder, and assault GBH (grievous bodily harm), following an incident that occurred at the Melmoth Magistrate's Court when three suspects allegedly attempted an escape.
'Reports indicate that the three suspects, aged between 22 and 26 years, were in court when one of the suspects allegedly attacked and attempted to disarm a police officer, and the other two suspects allegedly started to beat the officer,' Ndlovu said.
'One suspect was fatally shot, and the other two suspects have been re-arrested.'
Ndlovu said no other fatality was reported and that investigations were ongoing.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Reacting to the incident, the Justice and Constitutional Development Ministry commended the prompt response but expressed concern over the incident.
The ministry said preliminary reports indicated that an accused person in custody allegedly gained access to a court orderly's firearm. However, in a quick response, a second court orderly discharged his service firearm, killing the accused. The accused was declared dead at the scene.
'While the full details of the incident, including the identity of the deceased and the exact sequence of events, are still under investigation, the ministry is encouraged by the professionalism displayed by court officials in a high-pressure situation,' ministry spokesperson Terrence Manase said.
'Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially greater tragedy.'
Manase said that despite the distressing incident, court operations at Melmoth were not disrupted, and the regional court continued to serve the public as scheduled.
'This reflects the resilience and commitment of the justice system and its officials to uphold the rule of law.'
Manase said the police were conducting a thorough investigation, and a full report was expected soon.
'The ministry has also initiated its own internal review of court security measures,' Manase said.
He said Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi had requested an urgent briefing and stressed the critical need to immediately enhance security measures within all court premises.
'The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure enhanced safety measures are urgently implemented to safeguard all court users,' Manase said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za
DAILY NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
The enigma of Markus Jooste's death
There is still no vital information regarding the death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste. Image: Aemand Hough More than a year has passed since the mysterious death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, yet crucial details surrounding the incident remain elusive. A police source has revealed that vital information regarding his death is unaccounted for. Jooste, who was ordered to pay a R475 million fine for accounting fraud by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), allegedly shot himself after police notified him that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. It was reported that he succumbed to a gunshot wound at his Cape Town residence in Hermanus. However, questions surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unanswered. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The source said there is still no post-mortem and morgue number in the inquest docket and there is no proof of the weapon he allegedly used. The Western Cape police on Tuesday said these allegations were unfounded as a post-mortem had been conducted and the post-mortem report had been filed in the docket for court purposes. 'The investigation into the death of the late Mr Jooste had been concluded and the docket was submitted to the NPA to be placed on the court role where a formal inquest will be conducted. "The firearm used during the incident was subjected to ballistic tests and thereafter returned to the executor as the weapon was registered in the name of the deceased. A report of the ballistic test is filed in the docket for court purposes. The result of both reports will only be disclosed during the formal inquest hearing in court. The date is yet to be determined.' The FCSA said Jooste had played a role in the publishing of misleading financial statements about Steinhoff International Holdings. Fake transactions worth $6.5bn were made by Steinhoff executives in order to inflate profits, an audit by PwC found. Close to 98% of Steinhoff's share value was wiped out in 2017 when the accounting scandal first broke. Jooste resigned as chief executive but denied any knowledge of accounting fraud. He was also later fined for insider trading in 2020. Last week, a social justice movement, the Progressive Civics Congress (PCC) told IOL that the public deserves transparency and accountability over the scandal, adding that the silence from authorities raises suspicion. 'Jooste was involved in compromising the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) funds, amounting to R200 billion belonging to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)." "The Steinhoff scandal was a national issue, yet we have no answers about what happened to those pension funds. The public deserves transparency and accountability—and the silence from authorities raises suspicion.' The organisation further criticised the silence of labor unions, which traditionally advocate for workers' rights and oversight in such matters, saying their inaction may have contributed to the ongoing economic crisis, asserting that the loss of investment confidence and subsequent budget deficits have directly impacted ordinary citizens. Crime expert and violence monitor, Mary de Haas, also pointed out the broader issues of accountability and the integrity of investigations. She told IOL that provincial police commissioners have the authority to expedite inquiries but have seemingly done little to resolve the case or uncover the truth. 'Questions about whether Jooste truly died by suicide or was murdered remain unanswered,' de Haas said. 'The only way to find out is through the post-mortem report, but access to such crucial documents is often denied or delayed. Without it, we are left to speculate.' De Haas also highlighted the broader pattern of disappearances and unexplained deaths linked to political and financial scandals in South Africa, raising fears that some cases might be deliberately obscured to protect powerful interests. Cape Argus
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Why reporting crimes is crucial: Insights from a recent hijacking incident
A hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner. Image: Marshall Security Marshall Security urges residents and visitors to understand the importance of reporting crimes and opening formal cases with the police. This was after a hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner, who chose not to open a case with the police. Armed suspects hijacked the vehicle around 12pm on Boxwood Place in the Sea Cow Lake area on Monday. Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said the firm's Special Operations Team (SOT) was activated by Tracker SA at approximately 12.56pm to assist in locating the hijacked vehicle. Powell said the vehicle was recovered on the N2 South, near the Inanda Road off-ramp, following a coordinated response by Marshall Security's SOT, Greenwood Park SAPS, and Tracker SA ground team, and assisted by other private security. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Upon inspection, the vehicle was found still loaded with food and cold drink stock. It remains unclear if any goods were stolen during the hijacking,' Powell said. 'The vehicle owner opted not to open a case with the SAPS, and the vehicle was returned.' Powell added: 'Filing a report does more than secure justice — it enables law enforcement to gather accurate crime data, prosecute offenders, and prevent future incidents. Without a case, crimes go unrecorded, and patterns of criminal activity remain hidden. 'Opening a case ensures that suspects are held accountable and that crime prevention efforts can be properly directed to high-risk areas.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security Meanwhile, a suspect was arrested for possessing a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga on Friday. Powell said that at approximately 7.15pm, the SOT received intelligence about a suspicious silver Toyota Cross circulating in the Gateway precinct. The SOT, Durban North SAPS and Excellerate Security members were deployed to find the vehicle. Officers observed a silver Toyota Cross on Twilight Drive at 9.15pm. Subsequently, they performed a safe stop of the vehicle on Twilight Road. 'A check of the registration plates showed they were registered to an SAPS provincial vehicle, yet the driver could not provide any police credentials,' Powell said. 'Durban North SAPS officers conducted a VIN scan that confirmed the car is positively listed in a Sydenham theft-of-motor-vehicle case opened on May 4, 2025, identifying it as a stolen Toyota Cross.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security The suspect and vehicle were taken to the Durban North police station for further questioning and processing. 'Friday's swift, intelligence-led response highlights the effective collaboration between Marshall Security, Durban North SAPS, and Excellerate Security in removing stolen vehicles — and those responsible — from our roads to keep the community safer,' added Powell. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old man found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reportedly stolen on Theresa Road in Sydenham on May 4, 2025. 'He appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on June 9, 2025,' Netshiunda said.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Joburg's MMC leads crackdown on illegal occupiers in the CBD
Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, led a high-impact operation on Tuesday targeting illegally occupied properties within the Central Business District (CBD). Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers Six undocumented foreign nationals were detained by Home Affairs officials and immigration officers following a raid led by the City of Johannesburg MMC for Human Settlement, Mlungisi Mabaso. Mabaso, who was in the company of officials from Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Public Safety officials, Home Affairs representatives, and other officials, conducted a high-impact blitz raid on the illegally occupied AA House Building in the CBD on Tuesday morning. The focus of the raid in the city centre was on several JOSHCO-owned buildings to improve service delivery, safety, and operational efficiency. Mabaso indicated that this proactive raid comes on the back of the influx of foreigners who are dominating the rental market in some of the government-owned buildings in the city centre. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He added that the raid underscores the city's commitment to enhancing service delivery, ensuring safety, and supporting the economic empowerment of our communities through effective management of JOSHCO's commercial properties. "We have already arrested six undocumented foreigners during this raid, and because the majority of our buildings and most of our hijacked buildings are being occupied by foreign nationals, whenever we requested to intervene, we are told to provide alternative accommodation to evacuate. "We are confronted by those challenges as we are unable to do anything with them. We cannot even demand their immigration statuses. That is why we have Home Affairs here with us today and other departments," he said. Mabaso indicated that the operation aims to create a safer, more vibrant Johannesburg where residents can enjoy quality services and opportunities for growth. This operation comes hot on the heels of a similar operation which took place early last month, which targeted Textile House and African Diamond — both located on the corner of Kerk and Goud streets.
