Inmate complains about not getting medical treatment at Pollsmoor Prison

Concerns over inmate healthcare took centre stage in the Wynberg Magistrates Court shooting case on Wednesday.

One of the accused in last year's deadly courthouse shooting complained of being denied medical treatment in prison.

Shireen Matthews is accused of being the mastermind behind the hit.

Her lawyer told the court that she has not received medical care at Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, despite being diagnosed with a tumour before her arrest in April last year.

Matthews is one of five suspects accused of involvement in the fatal shooting of Vrygrond taxi operator Dingalomoya Chintso.

She appeared alongside her co-accused Abubaker Adams, Bian Booysen, Wanay Farao and Vuyisani Zengethwa.

Her lawyer argued that prison authorities have failed to provide adequate medical assistance since her incarceration.

While the magistrate noted that the matter falls outside the court's authority, she confirmed she will write to prison officials, requesting urgent attention to Matthews' medical condition.

All five accused remain in custody and will be back in court next month.