Policeman and murder convict shot during escape attempt in Verulam

A Policeman and a man sentenced for murder were shot during an escape attempt at the Verulam Magistrates Court in the Verulam CBD, KZN.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call from Court Officials requesting medical assistance for the injured.

On arrival, it was established that a prisoner was being escorted back to the cells shortly after being sentenced to 15 years for a case of murder and house robbery when he deprived a Policeman of his firearm. The prisoner placed the firearm at the SAPS Officials’ head when he was shot by a Policeman who came to his colleague’s aid. The convict was shot in the head while the Policeman was shot in the arm. A Z88 9mm pistol was recovered on the scene.

The injured SAPS Official was transported privately to the hospital. The prisoner has several pending cases of murder that were committed in Verulam, Canelands, Umhlali, and Ballito which he was expected to stand trial for in the coming months.

Paramedics stabilised the critically injured suspect on the scene before transporting him to the hospital.