Chaos as accused hurl chairs at prosecutors

THERE was chaos in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on Monday when two senior state advocates were attacked by a group of 22 accused.

Advocates Ayesha Bissesur and Annelize Harrison were taken to hospital by ambulance after chairs were thrown at them during court proceedings.

The director of public prosecutions in KZN, advocate Moipone Noko, confirmed the attack, but did not state the nature of the charges the accused were facing.

Bissesur’s husband Shoaib, a KwaDukuza (Stanger) policeman, described his wife as an “emotional wreck” following the incident.

“When I arrived at court to fetch my wife’s personal belongings an eyewitness expressed shock as to what happened.

“According to her, 10 minutes into the court session one of the 22 accused jumped over the dock and the others followed suit.

“Some of the lawyers ran out of the court which is when the accused grabbed hold of their chairs and attacked Ayesha and Annelize by hurling the chairs at them.”

Bissesur said the accused were facing charges of racketeering relating to copper cable theft amounting to millions of rand.

He said an orderly from another courtroom heard the commotion and came to the women’s assistance.

Bissesur said his wife, 50, had to undergo counselling on Monday night.

“She is a strong woman, but yesterday she could not say two words to me.”

He said she had injuries to her right arm, had severe headaches and complained of spinal discomfort.

He said she was still in hospital.