Media Statements

Lamola Condemns Violence at the Cape Town Magistrate Court

07 March 2020

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Ronald Lamola, has strongly condemned a violent incident which took place in Court 13 at the Cape Town Magistrates Court yesterday.

Preliminary reports indicate that after refugee leader, Mr Jean Pierre Balous’ case was postponed, a police officer attempted to arrest Mr Balous on a warrant for a different charge.

Mr Balous recently lead a number of refugees and asylum seekers during a sit-in outside the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Cape Town. He appeared in court on a number of charges, including assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm.

A number of refugees who are supporters of Mr Balous were inside the courtroom and attacked police officers, court staff and attorneys in an attempt to wrestle him out of police custody. He was, however, rearrested outside the court in Caledon Street. The South African Police Services has confirmed that two other suspects were also arrested for, amongst others, resisting arrest and assault and intimidation. They will appear in court on Monday.

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery, has been in contact with the Chief Magistrate of Cape Town and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has asked for a full report into the matter from the Court Manager.

“We commend the SAPS’ Public Order police and the Metro police for their swift action in rearresting the suspect. We strongly condemn any violent behaviour in and around our court precincts. Access to justice means that members of the public and all users of our courts need to be sure that they will be safe inside our courts. Once we have a full report on what transpired on Friday, we can assess the need for added security measures,” said Mr Lamola.

Lamola further said, for the law to hold moral suasion in our society it must be respected by everyone. Our courts are theatres where the rule of law is performed and constitutionalism is advanced, therefore any attempt to use violence to curtail the pursuit of justice must be vehemently rejected.

Issued by the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services                
Mr Chrispin Phiri
Spokesperson: Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
081 781 2261
Cphiri@justice.gov.za