PORT ELIZABETH - MAN ATTEMPTS TO STAB WITNESS IN PE MAGISTRATES COURT

Drama unfolded at the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning when a man reportedly attempted to stab a witness.

A source who was at the scene told the African News Agency (ANA) that a suspected gang member had a knife in court.

The source, who did not want to be named, said several suspects were apprehended outside Regional Court 10.

The court building was put under a security lockdown with members of the public being locked in respective court rooms following the incident.

In a picture supplied to ANA, several suspects appeared to have been apprehended by police members.

Police were not immediately available for comment.

VIA - iol.co.za

FULL POLICE STATEMENT
It is alleged that at about 10:10, while the court was in recess, three witnesses in an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm case were consulting with the prosecutor. A 19 year old teenager who was seated in the back row of the court lunged towards one of the witnesses with a knife. The observant court orderly, Constable Anele France, immediately reacted and confronted the suspect, stopping the attack. Tactical Response Team (TRT) members, who were in the court building, immediately rushed in and assisted in overpowering and apprehending the suspect. No injuries were sustained. The suspect has been detained on charges of assault GBH and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The police members are commended for their quick action in preventing what could have been a fatal or serious incident at the court.

VIA - saps.gov.za