Durban Magistrate’s Court evacuated after ‘bomb threat’

The Durban Magistrate’s Court was evacuated on Tuesday following an alleged bomb threat.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the court following the bomb threat on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said an unknown person called the court and announced that there was a bomb.

No bomb was found and the building was later declared safe.

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High-profile case

Several high-profile cases are being heard in the court, including the corruption case involving former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede. The Durban High Court is sitting in the magistrate’s court for that matter.

Threat on FlySafair flight

Last month, passengers aboard a FlySafair flight at the Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) had to disembark and were escorted to a different aircraft amid a security threat.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed that the South African Police Service (Saps) bomb squad was deployed after the crew of a departing flight was alerted to a possible security threat aboard the aircraft.

After waiting for hours, the passengers were told there were “operational issues” and that they were sorting out “paperwork” before being escorted to a different aircraft. 

According to Mark Maclean, Acsa regional general manager, the security threat on FlySafair FA102 due to depart for OR Tambo International Airport, was managed by the Saps and relevant law enforcement agencies.

ALSO READ: Saps bomb squad called to investigate security threat on FlySafair flight