Africa-Press – South-Africa. Threats of violence from angry Nomzamo Park residents have forced the Orlando Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg – hearing the bail application of a former senior Hawks officer – to move to another venue.
Scores of residents, some carrying spears, knobkerries and shields, protested outside the court on Thursday, demanding to enter the building.
A strong police contingent and security officers prevented them.
The crowd was protesting against the bail hearing brought by the former officer, who is linked to the Mdlalose Tavern killings in July last year. The former officer cannot be named due to a court order.
It took the court three hours before the matter could be called.
Police were seen planning how the case against six men accused of killing 16 patrons at the tavern would take place.
Officers allowed only relatives of the deceased patrons inside the courtroom.
Prosecutor Inge Vogelpath pleaded with Magistrate AW Morton to move the matter to a different venue due to security threats received.
“There are different security units from the SAPS [South African Police Service] and the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] deployed to the court. A risk assessment was done. It is not safe to proceed with bail today. It is not safe to proceed with bail in this court building,” said Volgelpath.
She added that there were threats to attack the court and the neighbouring police station.
Vogelpath said arrangements had been made for the bail hearing to be moved to an alternative court.
Attorney Jeffrey Rahlagane, who is representing two accuseds didn’t object to the case being relocated.
JP Venter, acting for the former Hawks officer, said he had heard that the court might be petrol-bombed.
Advocate Thapelo Khalo, representing three of the accused said he had been briefed about the threats and didn’t object to the court being relocated.
The magistrate said: “There is an application by the State to move the court to another venue for public safety. It is an emotional matter.
Emotions are running high. The court can’t take a risk. I concur with the State and defence to move this court to another venue. The case will be heard in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.”
NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said they took the threats seriously.
“We are a listening State. Some community members asked us for a brief meeting with them. We were told their demands, including demanding that justice, home affairs, and police ministers be in court.
“They made threats to burn the [court] building. Such threats raised concerns for us. The safety of personnel working in court and public members is of paramount importance. Their safety is in our hands. It was prudent to meet with the presiding officer and defence team to convey the message,” said Mjonondwane.
“It became clear to us that a security assessment should be conducted. That was done. A risk assessment informed the court that the matter couldn’t proceed. The matter has been moved to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court,” said Mjonondwane.
She said they were not being bullied but taking threats seriously.
“We know that the criminal justice system can’t be held ransom. Work has to continue. Whether or not the outcomes of our court satisfy people or not, they will be informed by what the law dictates.”
State case
Mjonondwane said the State will be giving further evidence in the former Hawks officer’s bail application.
“The defence will be given an opportunity to reply. After that, the court would deliver judgment. When information of value comes to light for our case to oppose his release on bail, nothing stops us from approaching the court to reopen our case. We have established that there is relevant evidence brought to our attention.”
Mjonondwane said the collaboration between the SAPS and NPA’s risk management office would ensure security measures are in place for next week’s court appearance.
The hearing continues on 20 February.
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