Rapist shoots himself at court
2005-01-14 10:56
Pieter du Toit
Pretoria - A man who had just been sentenced has committed suicide while on his way to the holding cells at the Belfast circuit court.
Judge Dries Lamprecht sentenced Xolisile George Mtembu, 27, to 10 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty on a charge of indecent assault.
Mtembu was charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2001.
According to Judge Lamprecht, Mtembu showed no sign of emotion when he was sentenced.
"He was very calm and was taken to the dentention cells shortly before I adjourned for the day.
"The cell had not even been locked when he pulled a gun and shot himself."
It would appear as if Mtembu had the firearm with him all the time.
All should be searched
"This is a serious problem, which has happened before in other courts where guns have been used. It cannot be allowed to continue," said the judge.
He said all people entering court buildings should be searched for firearms.
"I think people become trusting and simply accept that others do not have to be searched.
"However, this does not mean that we have to accept the situation.
"The incident scared me stiff," said Judge Lamprecht.
- Beeld