An awaiting trial prisoner shot during an attempted escape in Lenasia, Johannesburg, has died, police said on Tuesday.
”One of the suspects admitted to the hospital following an attempted escape from lawful custody … succumbed to his wounds late last night [Monday],” Senior Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrecht said.
He was wounded during a shoot-out with two policemen who were transporting him and two other men to Potchefstroom in the North West province.
Charges of murder, attempted murder and attempt to escape from lawful custody would be added to the remaining two suspects’ charge sheets.
Sergeant Modukeng Riba (44) was shot and killed and Inspector Piet Maleka (49) critically injured when the three prisoners they were escorting tried to escape on Monday afternoon.
”Three awaiting trial prisoners from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, were being transported to Potchefstroom where they were due to appear for an armed robbery case,” Martins-Engelbrecht said.
”It is believed one of them requested to use the bathroom when the officers stopped at a filling station on the N12.”
When Riba opened the door of the van he was overpowered and robbed of his firearm.
”Several shots were fired, wounding Sergeant Riba. When Maleka came to the aid of his colleague, a shootout ensued. He was also badly injured.”
Riba was declared dead on arrival at Lenmed hospital in Lenasia. Maleka was in a critical condition in the same hospital,” Martins-Engelbrecht said. – Sapa