Chaos at court
ROADS in Galeshewe were obstructed with rocks and burning tyres yesterday as residents waited the entire day for suspects to appear in court on charges of public violence, theft and housebreaking relating to the recent protest action in the city.
First appearances only got under way at 5.15pm at the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court due to delays in the processing of the dockets, and was expected to continue into the night.
Protesters yesterday tried to provoke the police and threatened that if no bail was granted they would return to the streets to cause chaos.
Police vehicles from as far as Mahikeng and Rustenburg, as well as a water cannon, were called in as reinforcements, while rubber bullets were fired after protesters stoned a police vehicle and started pelting the police with stones from the rooftops of nearby houses.
One person was injured while further arrests were made when the crowd became rowdy.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba, said that a total of 202 suspects were arrested between last Thursday and Sunday, where 193 suspects were scheduled to appear in the Kimberley and Galeshewe magistrate’s courts yesterday.
Those arrested for public violence were released on bail of R500, while accused with previous convictions or who had committed similar offences were remanded in custody.
One accused, who initially wanted to defend himself, related that he was arrested when he heard a noise and started running.
Attorney Chwaro Kgotlagomang advised Magistrate Benjamin September that his client wished to apply for bail even though the 48 hours had lapsed since her arrest.
“The State should have ensured that the matter was brought before court on time. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions should have worked over the weekend to ensure that the dockets were ready. Now we are required to do a fast food bail application when the accused is not to blame for the delays. This is a feeble attempt by the State to frustrate the accused.”
The State prosecutor advised that they were unable to hold bail READY: A heavy police presence was visible outside the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court yesterday, after several community members appeared in court after being arrested over the weekend. hearings as an investigating officer had not been assigned yet.
“In fact, the court has gone out of its way to accommodate the accused after the prescribed court hours.”
September warned that public violence was a serious offence where an accused could face up to 15 years imprisonment.
He added that with 54 charges of public violence that he had to process after 5pm, it would be impossible to hear a bail application.
Supporters were concerned that the children of those who would remain in custody would have to be taken to places of safety as they were prohibited from taking care of them.
Other accused said that they were not in a position to pay bail and would have to borrow the money.