ALL hell apparently broke loose at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on Monday this week when 22 awaiting trial prisoners attacked court officials after their case was postponed again.
Provincial SAPS communications officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that he was aware of the incident.
According to the African News Agency, the 22 men are accused of being part of a copper cable theft syndicate.
Two prosecutors in hospital after accused attacked them in the Scottburgh Regional Court – @IOL @TheCitizen_News @eNCA @AfriNewsAgency
— Joe Stolley (@joestolley) January 25, 2017
Magistrate Ambrose Mfayela, along with several lawyers and court orderlies fled the courtroom.
Two prosecutors were left to fend off the attack.
The accused allegedly threw furniture at the prosecutors, who were injured severely enough to warrant spending the weekend in hospital.
A stenographer and a translator attempted to come to their rescue, returning ‘fire’ with more furniture.
A short statement was issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecution, Advocate Moipone Noko: “I can confirm that the incident did take place in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Both the advocates are receiving medical attention.”
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