Cape Town — Police said it will be investigating footage from the crowds that gathered outside the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in the Joshlin Smith case, to determine who attacked one of the police officers.
Large crowds gathered outside the court to await the verdict of the four accused. The crowds grew impatient and were upset that they were not allowed inside the court. As a result, police started firing teargas and stun grenades at the masses, which led to the people fighting back, and a subsequent injury to one of the police officers.
Western Cape Police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, said they would analyse the footage of the chaos that ensued outside the court to determine what exactly happened to the officer who was injured in the melee, EWN reported.
“What we cannot accept is when people, unprovoked by police, they start attacking the police. I have directed that we will study those videos with the purpose of making arrests.” Patekile said.
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According to The Daily Maverick, In the ensuing chaos, a female police constable suffered a facial wound and was immediately transported to the nearest hospital.
Western Cape MEC for police oversight and community safety, Reagen Allen, condemned the violence that occurred outside the court, which led to the constable’s injury.
“I can confirm that in a conversation with provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile that we will be analysing video footage that whoever threw stones were ultimately held accountable. That officer could have lost her eye,” Allen said.
Meanwhile, the charges against Phumza Sigaqa, the alleged sangoma, were dropped yesterday as National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, claimed there was no evidence linking her to the case.
“Concerning the ongoing investigation, the NPA informed the court that we have received additional information, particularly regarding the child’s whereabouts. Investigators should follow up on that.” he said.
The case has currently been postponed to 13 May as police confirm more charges will be made as the investigation unfolds.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
