The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy’s former dormitory matron briefly appeared on Thursday in the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of indecent assault, common assault, soliciting a minor to perform indecent acts and verbal abuse.
Magistrate Arend van Wielligh postponed the case to January 16 2008 to allow Tiny Makgabo (27) to consult with her lawyer.
Before her appearance, members of the public and the media huddled together in the stuffy and overcrowded court, awaiting Makgabo’s entrance. Necks were stretched and photographers were in position.
Silence fell over the court when the prosecutor called Makgabo to the dock and to the media’s dismay she emerged from the public gallery, desperately trying to avoid having her photograph taken.
Chaos broke out as her companions rushed to hide her face with a brown towel.
The petite Makgabo, who could easily be mistaken for a schoolgirl, cut a lone figure in the dock.
She wore a black pleated miniskirt and a striped blue and white T-shirt.
Makgabo stole the limelight from the cash-in-transit heist suspects who were appearing in the same court under police guard.
After her appearance, she was guided by a friend to a black Mazda 3, that was waiting to whisk her away.
The trial date is expected to be set at her next appearance. – Sapa