Police have launched a manhunt for gunmen after suspected gang fighting erupted in Athlone on Friday morning, which led to the killing of a man on the premises of the Athlone Magistrate’s court.

A gunman fled the scene, and a firearm and personal belongings were later recovered.

A man and a woman were also shot and wounded in separate incidents near the court. They were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are investigating the incidents. Police have registered a murder and two attempted murders for investigation.

The Police’s Brigadier Novela Potelwa says it is believed the deceased person, who was shot inside the court premises, was scheduled to appear in court as an accused.

It is not yet clear why the other two wounded victims were targeted.

Police have since bolstered deployment in the area as the search for the gunmen continues.

The incident appears to be similar to a shooting outside the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court a week ago, in which one person was killed, and one person was injured.