The Department of Correctional Services has issued a statement regarding the scuffle that broke out between prison guards and some of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial yesterday. The scuffle started when a prison guard asked the accused to sit in an appropriate manner because they were still in court. The accused were sitting on top of the benches and having a conversation when they were approached by the guard.

The National Commissioner of the Department of DCS Makgothi Thobakgale condemned the incident in the strongest manner. "Such utter disrespect will not be tolerated and the department will be looking into the incident. Correctional officials rendering escorts and guarding responsibilities do so on behalf of the state, hence any form of unbecoming behaviour warrants a security review to ensure the safety of those in close proximity with the inmates."

He said if the accused were unhappy and had complaints to raise, they should follow necessary processes and channels within DCS. "Undermining security in court will not be tolerated at all. Failure by the accused persons to behave themselves calls for the department to act and that will be done without hesitation. The accused are sentenced for other offences hence they are guarded by DCS." Thobakgale added. Lead investigator, Brigadier Bongani Gininda a commander of the National Cold Case Unit will continue his testimony at the Pretoria High Court this morning.