Seven alleged members of the rightwing Boeremag organisation received medical treatment on Friday after claiming to have been injured in a rough drive from court to prison on Tuesday.
Their attorney, Paul Kruger, said a private doctor prescribed medicine for bruises and muscle injuries for five of the men, and referred two others for specialist back treatment.
They insisted on being examined by a private doctor and this could only be arranged for Friday afternoon.
The men claimed they were hurt when driven back to Pretoria’s C-Max prison by the police after appearing in the city’s High Court on treason charges on Tuesday.
Kruger at the time accused the police of driving recklessly out of irritation at a request by judge Eben Jordaan that the prisoners be handled with respect.
That morning, the men complained to Jordaan of police maltreatment, saying they were driven through the streets of Pretoria at dangerously high speeds with their hands and feet cuffed.
They claimed they regularly bumped their heads as a result.
Police spokesperson Director Sally de Beer said what happened on Tuesday afternoon was that the truck accidentally drove over a sidewalk.
Prison authorities said on Tuesday only one of the 14 men who complained about the drive had visible injuries — abrasions to his wrists from the handcuffs.
Kruger said the men would themselves pay for Friday’s medical treatment, and would seek reimbursement from the state at a later stage.
Damages claims might also be lodged.
Correctional services department spokesperson Rudi Potgieter said primary medical care was available to all prisoners free of charge. Those who chose to see private doctors had to pay the costs.
”The department will see to it that the instructions of the doctor are carried out.”
The men are among 22 alleged Boeremag members facing 42 charges ranging from high treason, terrorism and sabotage to murder, attempted murder and the illegal possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.
The state alleges they plotted to overthrow the government.
Their trial is to resume on August 4. ‒ Sapa