Marianne Merten
Cape Judge President John Hlope denied this week that the administration of justice had been brought to a standstill by an alleged gang leader.
On Wednesday two high-profile People against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) trials were postponed in the Cape High Court when 2 000 supporters of alleged Cape Flats millionaire crime kingpin Colin Stanfield marched to the office of the provincial director of public prosecutions.
There had been “security concerns” over the possibility of a clash between Pagad supporters attending the trials and those supporting Stanfield’s campaign against his conviction for tax evasion involving R2,6-million.
However, other court hearings proceeded normally. The “gangster” march ended without handing over a memorandum.
Stanfield, who says he is a vegetable hawker, has reportedly earned approximately R9-million between 1990 and 1996 through crime, has described his conviction as “racist” and said it did not take into account his position as a “victim of apartheid”. He is on R100 000 bail pending an appeal.
Judge Hlophe denied reports he had ordered the courts closed. “It’s business as usual. There never was an instruction from my office [to close the court].”
He said it was up to individual judges whether and when to adjourn if, for example, they had a “running tummy”, “felt unsafe” or because of the “unbearable noise” associated with marches. “This is not a factory where we produce shoes.”
Ministry of Justice representative Paul Setsetse said although everyone had the constitutional right to hold legal protest marches, there was concern over recent demonstrations outside courts. “People must begin to learn to allow the justice system to run its course.”
Western Cape regional justice department coordinator Hishaam Mohamed said: “We do not believe anyone’s right to a fair trial is being sacrificed.”
A group of 25 Cape Flats pastors calling themselves People for Justice organised a fleet of buses and taxis to bring about 2 000 protesters to central Cape Town in support of Stanfield.
However, they appear to be confused on which issue surrounding Stanfield has become their rallying point. Much of their attention focused on seizures of his assets, but it is understood the asset forfeiture unit at this stage has no plans to move in on Stanfield.
The vast majority of marchers were mothers and children with a sprinkling of the elderly. Reputed gang bosses including Rooi Dakkies and 28s leader Ernest “Lastig” Solomons were spotted in the crowd.