Two prisoners have been kiiled as they tried to escape from Mthatha Hight Court in Eastern Cape Province.

An official from the justice ministry said that the prisoners, who were awaiting their hearing, apparently retrieved a firearm from a dustbin and there was exchange of gunfire with officers.

Mthunzi Mhaga, the justice ministry spokesman, said one prison officer was wounded in the leg during the shootout.

He said, “they attempted to escape on entering the court premises,” adding that the police were now in control and “the situation was under control.”