The Judge President of the Labour and Labour Appeal Court has condemned an incident that happened at the Labour Court in Durban this week.
Image: File
A woman who previously courted controversy after allegedly directing derogatory remarks at KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda has again found herself at the centre of public attention, this time following an incident at the Durban Labour Court.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Chief Justice on behalf of the Judge President of the Labour and Labour Appeal Court, Judge Edwin Molahlehi, the judiciary condemned the woman's conduct after she allegedly disrupted court proceedings.
The incident occurred this week on June 3 at the Labour Court in Durban.
According to the statement, the woman used abusive and inappropriate language directed at court staff and the presiding judge during proceedings.
It was further alleged that she physically manhandled a court interpreter and later circulated a video on social media that undermined the dignity and reputation of a member of the court's staff.
"Such conduct is equally deplorable and constitutes a serious breach of the standards of respect expected of court officials," the statement said.
The Office of the Chief Justice said violence, intimidation, abuse and disorderly conduct on court premises undermine the integrity and dignity of the judiciary, court officials and court users.
"Courts are institutions established to uphold the rule of law and administer justice in a fair, impartial and dignified manner," the statement read.
The judiciary emphasised that while individuals are entitled to express their views and pursue their legal rights through appropriate legal processes, those rights must be exercised with due regard for the decorum, dignity and authority of the courts.
The latest incident comes months after the woman drew criticism during an event linked to March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's handover to police in Durban. A video that circulated widely on social media at the time showed her directing derogatory remarks at KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Netshiunda, prompting condemnation from the South African Police Service.
The Office of the Chief Justice said the current incident is under review by the relevant authorities and that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law.
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