Chaos erupted outside the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning when a group of residents clashed with police after trying to go through barbed wire put in place for crowd control.
The scuffles broke out outside the courthouse, where missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s mother and three co-accused made their second appearance for bail application.
Also read: Charges against sangoma dropped while three abandon bail in Joshlin case
It is understood that hundreds of protesters gathered, demanding access to the courthouse but were kept behind a barbed wire fence by police, with many residents expressing anger at the police’s handling of the case and some pelting stones.
The police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the group demanding justice for the little girl as they attempted to push their way into court.
Police have used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse an angry crowd who gathered outside the Vredenburg Magistrates court in support of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith. Joshlin’s mother and three other suspects are set to appear in court today for a bail application. CP pic.twitter.com/e3Bjd2xkgz
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 13, 2024
According to Times Live, some community members pulled at the fence, prompting chaotic scenes as police were forced to intervene. The angry crowd also objected when local Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Ashley Sauls, known as ‘Oom Biza’ was denied access to the court.
Sauls told police in court that he had papers that described the criteria to allow him access on behalf of the party but was reportedly denied entry due to concern over ‘TikTok influencers’ who were asked to exit the court.
Protesters were chanting, ‘Let Biza in’.
Police using tear gas to secure the magistrate’s court in Vredenburg. 1 police officer hurt. Angry crowds reacting to barbed wire keeping them from proceedings around the disappearance of 6year old Joslin Smith. Really bad police tactic in an emotional community. #joslinsmith pic.twitter.com/5Sq6Yg8maJ
— NMacheroux-Denault (@NMacherouxD) March 13, 2024
Western Cape MEC for Community Safety Reagen Allen confirmed to EWN that a police constable had to be taken to hospital after she was pelted with stones during the clash outside the courthouse, adding that an investigation to identify the perpetrators was underway.
‘We condemn that… I can already confirm a conversation with the provincial commissioner that we will be analysing the video footage to ensure that whoever were throwing stones will ultimately be held accountable,’ the publication quoted Allen as saying.
Court proceedings were delayed for more than an hour due to the angry confrontations outside the court.
Also read:
Over 15 000 petitioners call on court to deny bail in Joshlin Smith case
Picture: Screenshot from video