INMATE TERROR

 

An ugly scene unfolded at the Kanye Magistrate’s Court last week after an inmate allegedly insulted and threatened a police prosecutor inside the court premises. The incident, which left police officers and eyewitnesses stunned, involved 29-year-old Alijah Isaiah Rabatho from Molepolole, who is currently serving prison time for unlawful wounding and arson.

Rabatho allegedly directed his barrage of insults at Police Prosecutor Sergeant Lennah Bannyaditse while she was walking inside the court building during working hours.

Witnesses say the inmate used vulgar vernacular language before threatening to track down the officer’s vehicle and residence with plans to allegedly kill her.

According to officers present at the scene, the atmosphere quickly turned tense as the inmate aggressively confronted the prosecutor.

Witnesses say Rabatho blames Bannyaditse for the prison sentence he is currently serving because she prosecuted the case several years ago.

Rabatho is serving a five-year jail term after being convicted of unlawful wounding and arson. The sentences run concurrently.

What shocked many was that the alleged threats were made openly in the presence of other officers and court officials, leaving some officers helpless as the confrontation unfolded. A case has since been registered against the inmate following the threats and insults directed at the prosecutor. The matter is expected to appear before the same court.

The incident comes barely a month after another public case involving insults directed at police officers made headlines.

In April this year, a 38-year-old safety specialist appeared before the Village Magistrate's Court after allegedly insulting a police officer at the Block 5 Police Post.

The suspect had reportedly recorded a video during the confrontation, which later circulated widely on social media platforms.

Police charged the man with Using Insulting Language and Offensive Electronic Communication after the video spread online. He had also allegedly insulted the police officer using vulgar vernacular language.