One killed and four arrested during daring escape

Brian Sokutu

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

This was how a frightened Errol Goetsch described the sound of gunshots that yesterday led to the death of one awaiting trial suspect, serious injuries sustained by two, the arrest of one and an escape of another after an attempted daring escape at the High Court in Johannesburg.

According to SA Police Service

Gauteng spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, police later managed to nab four suspects, confirming that one was fatally wounded.

“Police during lunch time rearrested four suspects who escaped after appearing in court. One of the suspects was fatally shot, two others seriously wounded, one is in police custody and the fifth one is at large. The four were apprehended before they could exit the court building,” said Peters.

The men were apparently armed with knives and two police members were stabbed.

“One member was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.”

Goetsch, who was in court in connection with a custody battle, said he was never prepared for what he saw in court.

“I was standing outside the door of the court when I heard people screaming and rushing outside,” he said.

“Dozens of heavily armed policemen were rushing in, with security guards shouting that I should shut the doors. While shutting the door, I heard seven gunshots inside.

“Upon noticing what was happening inside, I saw three bodies of awaiting trial suspects on the floor,” he said.

A shocked Goetsch added “There was blood on the floor, blood on the walls and blood everywhere – it was a horrible and frightening experience.”