Safety at our courts

[Johann du Toit]

A friend, who is an acting magistrate, told me of a recent troubling development in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court that made me fear for my safety, and the safety of those who visit our courts.

A prominent attorney in the Vaal arrived at court drunk, with a bogus Ex Parte Application. He started abusing the court clerks (and even making sexually abusive comments towards one female clerk) and demanded to see the magistrate immediately. The magistrate told him he would not entertain his application, both due to it being without merits and due to him not being properly dressed (he was wearing shorts and crocs under his attorney's robe). This set him off, causing him to swear at the magistrate, calling him racial slurs and challenging him to a fight outside, and security had to be called to remove him. He escaped them and pulled out a knife, announcing his decision to "get" said magistrate. Thankfully security was able to restrain him and prevent anyone from getting hurt.

To those of you who frequent the courts regularly, for work reasons (like myself) or other concerns, please be safe, be aware of your surroundings, and don't assume you are not in danger simply because it's a court of law; because criminals and crazies don't respect the temples of our legal system (even if said criminal/crazy is an attorney).

[oafpatroll]

A dodgy lawyer! Who could have imagined that such a thing was possible.

[SSP]

Yeah, don't expect court security guards to be of any use.

My partner is an attorney. Went to court, had flat shoes in her bag. Was told that they were not allowed in because they could be used as a weapon (she wears a size 3 - the only way her shoes will be dangerous is as a choking hazard).

She had to book them in to the gun register and lock them in the safe.

The shoes on her feet - no problem.

The gun in her bag, clearly visible on the x-ray - no problem.

The knife - no problem.

Pepper spray - no problem.

[MSW2]

SAPS are right next door...

[oafpatroll]

SAPS are right next door...

What is this 'SAPS' of which you speak.

[MSW2]

What is this 'SAPS' of which you speak.

There are actually some at that station who still do what they are supposed to. But in general yes, your question is very valid.

[mic]

I once went through security with a Leatherman and a CZ75 on my belt. Now the motorcycle helmet, THAT had to be booked in ...
This was in the Pretoria high court.

[oafpatroll]

I once went through security with a Leatherman and a CZ75 on my belt. Now the motorcycle helmet, THAT had to be booked in ...
This was in the Pretoria high court.

Had a similar experience at JHB magistrates court. P07 on waist behind the hip, two mags on opposite hip and knife in pocket. Went through the detectors which wailed. Stopped briefly and when the two security guys remained engaged with whatever they were doing I walked on. After a week of wearing a steel leg brace that triggered the detectors after an op I realised that I could use it as cover for carrying on a big bank client site in the CBD. I used to get waved through every day for the better part of six months. At the same place I needed to carry two laptops and at the time there was a spate of thefts. Every time I left the building I pulled one laptop out and showed it's serial and was waved on. Pretty sure that's how the others were stolen. Security as a service in SA is largely mental floss in imo. Makes people feel better for having it but achieves FA.

[Trayton]

Yes security at court is laughable, I've sat behind a perp, apprehended on our property for whom the dockets grew to 4 boxes, with my firearm and 2 knives.

It could easily have been him with those weapons and his intentions could have been revenge.

[Johann du Toit]

SAPS are right next door...

There are rumors about that this particular attorney has several "friends" (if you know what I mean) in the precinct, as well as some of the guards in the court.