BARBERTON – The girl was hit by a stray bullet in a commotion that errupted in front of the local court this morning.

Six suspects who were arrested in Emjindi last night, were due to appear in the court, when a group of people attacked the vehicle in which they were being transported.

They capsized the vehicle and in the commotion the girl was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet, police said.

She is receiving treatment in Barberton General Hospital.

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The police vehicle was vandalised.

Twelve suspects were arrested for trying to aid the suspects in escaping as well as for malicious damage to property.

Police confirmed that Independent Police Investigative Directorate was informed of the shooting incident and will open an investigation into the matter.

All 18 suspects are due to appear in court tomorrow.

A police chopper was monitoring the situation from the air. It has since calmed down.