Chinese lawyer who was stripped in court by Police officers while two judges were looking on
Do you think that our situation in our South African Courts are bad? Well, not quite and I don't suggest that we are getting there. No not at all. Do you know what happened to a Chinese lawyer who was arguing a matter in court? Chinese police officers approached him and, in front of two presiding judges, they started to rip his clothes of his body. And to top it all, two judges did absolutely nothing to stop that. You can read it by clicking on this link.
I reminds me of an incident that happened to me some years ago in Roodepoort Magistrate's Court while it was still in the first building in the CBD opposite the Post Office building. I was waiting for my matter to be called when I noticed that the SAP were off loading prisoners to attend court. They marched past me and amongst them I saw a black man running in line and he only had his underpants on.
I went into the courtroom and the next moment his matter was called. He appeared in front of the magistrate still in his underpants. And the magistrate did not blink an eyelid and proceeded with the matter.
I rose and requested the attention of the court. The magistrate asked me whether I am appearing for the accused to which I replied: "No." He instructed me to sit down. I refused and told him I am an officer of this court and I find it totally unacceptable and degrading not only for the prisoner, but for me as a proud officer that this man is appearing half naked. It was degrading for the public as well.
Human rights and the dignity of the prisoner should prevail in court as well - and that was without our Bill of Rights to be found in our Constitution.
The magistrate instructed me again to take my seat; I once again refused. He threatened me with contempt of court proceedings. I stood my ground and insisted that the court should give the accused the opportunity to get dressed. Only then, and begrudgingly he adjourned the court and gave orders that he be clothed properly.
I waited to see what was going to happen. When the court resumed, he was dressed properly.
You as an individual can and should make a difference and make the world a better place to live in - one at a time. Start doing that.
I am not suggesting that you don't do that - please write me an e-letter at my e-mail address and tell me. Maybe I will post it on my blog? You will find my e-mail address when you access CONTACT US.
