Johannesburg - An inmate awaiting trial at Odendaalsrus Correctional Centre in the Free State on Wednesday allegedly fired a gun at an officer while trying to take him hostage, correctional services said.
"The detainee fired a shot (at the officer) before being overpowered on Wednesday... no person was injured," department spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said in a statement. "He now faces further criminal charges for possessing a firearm and attempted murder," he said.
It was not clear what charges the man originally faced. Prison officials received a tip-off about a gun smuggled into the centre on Monday, allegedly to be used by several inmates in an escape bid, and searched for the weapon in the men's section.
The gun was confiscated after the scuffle in the man's cell. A toy gun was found in another part of the prison. Wolela said the Hawks and police were investigating to determine whether other inmates needed to be charged.
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Inmates-hostage-attempt-fails-20101117