Dramatic thwarting of a court escape in Philippi raises alarm
A suspect's dramatic escape attempt from the Philippi Magistrates Court was thwarted by vigilant court security, raising serious concerns about police oversight.
Image: IOL
A bandit's attempt to dodge justice came to a dramatic halt at the Philippi Magistrate’s Court after he jumped over the court dock only to be caught outside the courthouse moments later.
The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday for a case of contravention of a protection order, which was registered at Samora Machel SAPS.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that Philippi East police have registered a case after the incident occurred at 11am.
Van Wyk reported: “According to reports, a prisoner leaving the court jumped over the court dock and was chased by the court security. “They caught him outside the court premises and brought him back to court, re-arresting him for escape.
“The suspect ran after he was told about the remand date of his case and will remain in custody in Pollsmoor prison until such a date.”
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP and member of the Select Committee for Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, said that these have raised serious concerns about the discipline, internal controls, and possible collusion within SAPS.
DA MP Nicholas Gotsell.
Image: File
He said: “The latest escape now underscores the gravity of that decision and raises serious questions about Parliament’s commitment to oversight and public safety.
“The DA calls on the Chairperson to reconvene the Select Committee to urgently address these issues with the failing Provincial Police Commissioner.”
Gotsell added: “This incident comes just days after Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Justice ended its meeting to break for lunch, instead of allowing its members to question the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tembisile Patekile, on the growing crisis of police custody escapes and corruption within its ranks.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus