White lawyer beaten outside court by community members

A Mpumalanga advocate - Nico Du Plessis was beaten by angry community members and strangled with his tie for representing two accused men for kidnapping a three-year-old Lutricia Nkentjane on November 29 last year. Although the girl’s body has not yet been found, both men have been charged with her murder.

 The court appearance of Messrs Luis Sithole, Sfiso Mazibe, Themba Myambo and Jabulani Ndlovu was brief and resulted in a postponement to January 27, Lowvelder reported. Du Plessis came under brutal attack when he left the building in Tonga Magistrates Court on 21 January after having represented Myambo and Ndlovu. He was attacked by a large group of angry community members. The advocate was kicked until he fell down, and when he tried to get back onto his feet, a man grabbed him by the tie and dragged him back down.

 Police came to Du Plessis’ rescue and took him back into the courtroom.Du Plessis said he would consider opening a case of assault after the incident and that he felt unsafe. He added that he would appreciate not having to return to this court for this case. An informed source said the other accused were represented by attorneys from the Legal Aid Board of South Africa. Legal representatives at the local branch declined to comment on the matter.

No one was arrested on the scene for attacking the advocate even though the video clearly shows the police were present and arrived whilst the advocate was being attacked. This incident comes after a series of race related counter accusations in South Africa.

Source: SA Crime alert : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8FcWHDfhRY