A dramatic scene unfolded outside the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday when an unidentified man, armed with a loaded gun, was involved in a tense standoff with police.
Chaos erupts outside Western Cape High Court
Videos circulating online show the man, who appeared to be in a disturbed state, standing naked on the sidewalk across the road from the courthouse.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots during the incident, which caused panic among bystanders.
In the video footage, a police van can be seen parked in front of the man as an officer tried to calm him down.
Another officer, along with private security guards and members of the public, kept their distance while pleading with the man to drop his weapon.
The situation escalated when the suspect fired several shots, injuring himself in the upper body. The sound of gunfire sent nearby officers and bystanders scrambling for safety.
Despite his injuries, the man remained standing for a few moments before releasing another round of shots.
Disturbingly, DA MP and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police Ian Cameron confirmed that the individual was a vagrant who had disarmed a SAPS member.
Eventually, police officers managed to subdue the man and take him into custody.
He is expected to be transported to hospital for medical treatment before undergoing a mental health evaluation.
The bizarre nature of the standoff shocked passersby who had gathered near the courthouse.
Some onlookers described the man as “totally out of it” and said he looked dazed throughout the ordeal.
Authorities said he is likely to face charges for disturbing the peace and violating multiple gun laws once cleared medically.
At the time of publishing, SAPS had not yet issued an official statement on the incident.