Free State - Negotiators were trying on Tuesday morning to convince two inmates at the Mangaung prison to release a doctor taken hostage, police said.
“No amicable solution could be reached to their satisfaction,” Free State police spokesman Brigadier Billy Jones said.
Jones said the men had been changing their demands throughout Monday night.
The two took the doctor hostage while they were undergoing their weekly medical check-up at 11am on Monday. They forced their way into the medical room and held the doctor and a nurse hostage.
The female nurse was later released. The two allegedly assaulted her. She sustained bruises and minor injuries.
The prisoners reportedly wanted a transfer to a prison in Gauteng.
Jones said the police’s main objective was to ensure the doctor's safe release. He said they would be engaging in the last phase of the negotiating process on Tuesday morning. - Sapa