7 January 2000
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for the tightening and overall relook of security situation in our country's courts. Our call is a sequel to the incident in which four gunmen held up a magistrate, prosecutor, court orderly and several members of the public at the Phoenix magistrate court in Durban early this week. The armed men then escaped with two trial-awaiting prisoners who were appearing in connection with the armed robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle.
The ANC is disturbed by this unfortunate incident because it has seriously undermined the judicial system and put the lives of people in extreme danger. We call on the Ministries of Safety and Security and of Justice to conduct an urgent joint investigation on the matter in order to avoid the reoccurrence of the similar episode in future. Our country cannot afford to be held at ransom by criminals. We urge members of the public to assist police in tracking down these thugs. Such elements will have to face the wrath and long arm of the law.
Issued by the ANC Department of Information and Publicity.
Contact ANC Spokesperson Mtholephi Mthimkhulu at 082 702 9729