Bishop Lavis CPF says someone must be held accountable for vandalising, torching magistrates court
On Saturday night, a group of residents stormed the security gate at the courthouse, smashed windows, and torched parts of the building.
The Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court where an angry mob in the area stormed the security gate, smashed windows, and torched parts of the building on 21 December 2024. Picture: Facebook/AnguspmckenzieDA
CAPE TOWN - The Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) says someone must be held accountable for vandalising and setting the local magistrates court alight.
On Saturday night, a group of residents stormed the security gate at the courthouse, smashed windows, and torched parts of the building.
According to the local sub-council chairperson, Angus McKenzie, the angry mob was reacting to the death of a gang leader in the area who had been questioned by the police's Anti-Gang Unit earlier in the evening.
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The Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum said there's no justification for destroying state property.
Some in the community have accused the police's Anti-Gang Unit members of assaulting a local man, said to be a prominent gangster, before he died.
But police have denied this and confirmed to EWN that the man complained of chest pains and collapsed while under questioning by members of the Anti-Gang Unit, who were investigating him for allegedly possessing a firearm.
Meanwhile, local CPF chairperson, Graham Lindhorst, has slammed the mob's actions.
"Although there's allegedly a story going around that the community member died as a result of a heart attack, no arrests have been made, but SAPS is investigating it, and will come and make sure that someone is kept responsible for what has happened."
Police are now calling on the people of Bishop Lavis to aid them in their investigation into the court attack.
STOLEN COURT EQUIPMENT
The Justice and Constitutional Development Department says the Bishop Lavis mob that vandalised and torched the local Magistrate's Court, also stole essential court equipment.
In a statement, the department said it was working closely with police to prevent further damage to the property and court operations are not disrupted.
The Department's Kgalalelo Masibi said that the court could still hear cases despite the attack.
"The department is prioritising emergency repairs to the damaged infrastructure, including restoring water supply and other essential services, to ensure that the court remains accessible and operational. We condemn any acts of vandalism and urge the community to cooperate with law enforcement authorities as investigations into the incident continue."