Shock at daring escape

2004-03-16 13:25

Johannesburg - The Judicial Officers' Association of South Africa (Joasa) said on Tuesday that it was shocked and dismayed at the lack of security that contributed to the escape of six suspects from Roodepoort magistrate's court.

Joasa is represented at around 1 350 magistrate courts in South Africa.

Spokesperson Judy van Schalkwyk said during Monday's incident, a firearm was pointed at the presiding officer, Magistrate Delize Smit.

She said the escape not only endangered the lives of the general public, but was also a direct attack on the magistracy and judiciary. Judges and magistrates should be able to dispense justice without favour, prejudice or fear for their own lives.

"Joasa is vigorously pursuing and addressing the security-aspects at the highest levels".

Van Schalkwyk said Joasa would continue to fight for the safety and security of all judicial officers, and anyone who had to, or even wished to, attend a court case.

The association extended its support to Smit, who had been offered counselling by the department of justice and constitutional development.

Meanwhile, a task team of Roodepoort police were investigating the escape, police said.

Captain Paula Nothnagel said the men, who were armed and dangerous, had escaped from the court while appearing in connection with an attempted cash-in-transit heist.

They were still at large and the public was warned not to approach them, but asked to inform officials of their whereabouts.

The escape was aided by an unidentified person in the public gallery who handed the suspects two firearms when they were stepping down after the magistrate postponed the case.

They fled and sped off towards Dobsonville in a silver-grey Audi A4 which was waiting for them at the court's main entrance.

Nothnagel said police were following strong leads and hoped to make arrests soon.

- SAPA