Cape Town — The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will prioritise emergency repairs to the damaged infrastructure at the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court following a protest action that caused extensive damage.
The Department’s Kgalelelo Masibi said protesters vandalised the court building, setting parts of the building on fire and stealing essential court equipment, TimesLIVE reported.
“We are working closely with the police to secure the premises and prevent further damage. Additional security measures have been implemented, including the deployment of extra security guards and a 24-hour police presence to safeguard the building,” Masibi said.
She said the department put systems in place to ensure that court operations continued, which is expected to continue on Monday. The Department condemned the acts of vandalism.
“We condemn any acts of vandalism and urge the community to cooperate with law enforcement authorities as investigations into the incident continue,” she said.
Cases of arson and public violence are being investigated after an angry mob attacked the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court, Cape Town, last night. #CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/UJj9AIJPK7
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 22, 2024
According to EWN, the Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) said the destruction of the building by the angry mob was unacceptable. It is suspected the angry mob reacted to the death of a suspected gang leader while being questioned by the police’s anti-gang unit.
“Will surely come and make sure that someone is kept responsible for what has happened there because what has happened is unacceptable where the community can go to the streets and vandalise state buildings because they perceived or have the impression that the police have killed someone,” Lindhorst said.
The sub-council chairperson, in the area, Angus Mckenzie also condemned the vandalism.
“These actions will lead to justice being delayed for many people, the overwhelming majority of residents in the area that require justice to be served out of this court,” McKenzie said.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie says the torching of the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court was the result of community members reacting to the death of a gangster who died, allegedly after a police raid at his place. McKenzie says the community tends to hail gangsters… pic.twitter.com/p8A8Tz9lLN
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 22, 2024
As reported by IOL, Western Cape Police spokesperson, Frederick van Wyk, confirmed the death of someone in Kalksteenfontein on Saturday evening.
“Bishop Lavis police registered an inquest following an incident on Saturday at 6.25pm at a premises in Hydrangea Street, Kalksteenfontein, where an adult male collapsed and died,” he said.
Van Wyk said AGU members received information about a firearm that was stored at the mentioned address. While being interviewed by the adult male, he reported chest pains and collapsed.
A case of arson had been opened for the fire at the local court.
Bishop Lavis SAPS later reported that a fire broke out at the address, and they found the front entrance to the building that was burning. The two security guards said an angry mob broke down the front gate and entered the premises damaging a few windows.
He said the mob went to the front entrance of the court building where they set alight tyres and chairs which resulted in the front of the building burning.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
