BOMB SCARE AT HOF - Cops give all-clear after Wynberg Magistrate’s Court was shut down due threatening call

SAKE at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court were forced to a halt yesterday after authorities received information of an alleged bomb threat.

According to police, the threatening call was received at around 8.42am from an unidentified person claiming that a bomb was planted on one of the floors.

Police, the court manager and security responded immediately and all activity at the court had to be stopped.

People were escorted to safety and the building was closed, as police immediately swept through the courthouse with the SAPS K9 explosive dog unit as well as the Bomb Disposal units at the scene.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk explained: “This office can confirm a bomb threat at Wynberg Magistrates court today (Thursday, 11 December) at about 8.42am.

“According to reports the Telkom operator received a call from a person informing that there is a bomb planted on one of the floors.

“The security, court manager and SAPS were immediately informed and the building was evacuated. The court is currently closed, and SAPS K9 explosive dog is currently sweeping the court building and the Bomb Disposal Unit is on scene.”

Van Wyk updated that at midday the court was open again as no suspicious parcels were found.

He confirmed: “At 12pm, Wynberg Magistrate’s Court was opened, following the sweep of SAPS K9 explosive dog. No suspicious parcels were found.”

This is the second time this year that Wynberg Magistrate’s Court has seen heightened security attention.

On 8 April, the court building became a crime scene after a brazen murder.

The shocking killing of Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49, sent tongues wagging after he was shot dead on the fourth floor of the building which houses the Wynberg Regional Court.

At the time of the incident, an eyewitness reported that a lone gunman wearing a maroon T-shirt and a black beanie approached Chintso and took a firearm out of his sling bag and fired four shots at he taxi driver’s head.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) ordered that security be strengthened at the courthouse following the fatal shooting.