Police and community policing forum members attempt to calm down the family of Bokgabo Poo and the community after the suspect in the case was attacked. Photo: citizen.co.za/ Lunga Mzangwe
A man arrested for the suspected murder of four-year-old Bokgabo Poo was attacked during his court appearance on Monday morning.
The 30-year-old, who was arrested last week in connection with the murder, was in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The girl’s father, Irvin Ndlovu, reportedly attempted to attack the man, screaming “this bastard killed my daughter”.
Community members were also screaming “bring the Satan here”.
Police jumped in to protect the suspect, while Magistrate L Sheppard presiding over the case also had to take cover.
Ndlovu said after the incident he was unable to control himself after seeing the accused.
“I don’t know what happened at that moment. I just felt agitated, angry and vindictive. He was showing arrogance.”
The accused’s lawyer, Clifford Gilpin, has also withdrawn from the matter.
He said there seemed to be “a possible conflict of interest”, and he no longer wanted to be involved.
“Justice has not taken its course yet. The accused has a right to remain innocent.”
Gilpin said if the accusations leveled against the suspect are true, he hoped justice would run its course.
The case has not been postponed, but proceedings will now be done on camera.
Only court officials and police are allowed in the court room, with doors securely locked to protect the suspect.
Some community members are threatening to invade the court room and set it alight.
ALSO READ: Body found in veld confirmed to be missing Bokgabo Poo
Bokgabo went missing in Wattville, Benoni, last week. Her body was found in two pieces by community members a day after she went missing.
The man who was arrested was caught on CCTV footage allegedly approaching Bokgabo and her friend while they were playing at Masolong Park.
He was said to have sent Bokgabo’s friend to a nearby shop, and when he returned, she and the man were nowhere to be found.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told Benoni City Times police were first called to the scene when residents found a human leg in the yard of a house in Wattville. The homeowner came across a partially buried leg while sweeping her yard.
Residents then alerted police to a child’s mutilated body in a nearby veld.
Compiled by Nica Richards.
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