Durban Magistrate’s Courts Evacuated After Alarming Bomb Scare
In a shocking turn of events, the Durban Magistrate’s Courts were evacuated following a bomb threat that caused widespread alarm.
The building, which houses several high-profile cases, was cleared of officials, staff, and the public as authorities conducted a thorough search for explosives.
Also Read: Western Cape High Court evacuated after bomb threats
Shocking Bomb Scare Forces Evacuation of Durban Magistrate’s Courts
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the bomb threat incident to The Citizen.
Colonel Netshiunda revealed that the precautionary evacuation measure was taken after an anonymous caller warned of a bomb set to detonate at 10:30 a.m.
“This is after an unknown person called the court and said there was a bomb which would go off at 10.30am. The building has been evacuated as a precaution.”
He explained that the explosives and K9 units were conducting a precautionary search.
“The explosives and K9 units of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal are conducting a precautionary search and sweeping at the Durban Magistrate’s Court,” Netshiunda said.
High-Profile Cases in the Court
At the time of the evacuation, several high-profile cases were being heard at the Durban Magistrate’s Courts.
These included the corruption trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and the case involving four men accused of kidnapping Durban businesswoman Sandra Munsamy and attempting to extort R154 million for her release.
Recent Security Incidents
Meanwhile, this comes a month after there was another bomb scare at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).
Passengers aboard a FlySafair flight were forced to disembark and board a different aircraft due to a security threat. The South African Police Service (SAPS) bomb squad was deployed to handle the situation.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed the incident. Mark Maclean, ACSA Regional General Manager, Cluster 2, stated,
“The security threat on FlySafair FA102 due to depart for OR Tambo International Airport was managed by the SAPS and relevant law enforcement agencies.”